15th May 2025

Mr Davies is a 46-year-old gentleman who is currently an inpatient on the coronary care unit after having had a PCI secondary to an NSTEMI 2 days ago.

Mr Davies is a 46-year-old gentleman who is currently an inpatient on the coronary care unit after having  had a PCI secondary to an NSTEMI 2 days ago. He has since then developed pleuritic-like chest pain,  which is better when sitting up and leaning forward. He is noted to also have a fever. He has a  background of HIV which is currently being managed well with a CD4 count of 480 and has not been  previously diagnosed with any AIDS defining illness. He has a family history of lung cancer and has a 45  pack year history. On clinical examination, there is no evidence of peripheral oedema, abnormal  saturations or haemodynamic instability. Which finding would NOT allow you to confirm a diagnosis of  acute pericarditis?  

Select the SINGLE most appropriate option from the list below. Select ONE option only.