Clinical recommendation	Evidence rating	References
Echocardiography is recommended for patients with suspected pericardial disease, including effusion, constriction, or effusive-constrictive process.	C	10, 25
Pericardiocentesis should be reserved to treat cardiac tamponade and suspected purulent pericarditis.	C	10, 25
Colchicine should be considered as an adjunct to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug therapy in patients with acute viral or idiopathic pericarditis.	B	28, 29
Corticosteroid therapy alone should be avoided in patients with acute or idiopathic pericarditis.	B	29