Which symptom is commonly associated with pericarditis?

The symptom commonly associated with pericarditis is elevation of the ST segment in one lead. In pericarditis, one of the hallmark ECG findings is widespread ST elevation, which may appear in multiple leads. This occurs due to inflammation of the pericardium and often correlates with sharp, pleuritic chest pain that worsens when lying down or with coughing.

While a normal chest X-ray (CXR) can occur in cases of pericarditis, it is not a symptom of the condition itself. CXR findings may vary depending on the presence of associated complications such as pericardial effusion. Palpitations can be present in some cases but are not definitive for pericarditis. High-grade fever may suggest an infectious etiology that causes pericarditis but is not a direct symptom of the condition itself. Overall, the presence of ST segment elevation on an ECG is a more direct link to the inflammation associated with pericarditis.