Viral pleuritis is a viral infection of the pleurae.
Viral pleuritis is most commonly caused by infection with coxsackie B virus. Occasionally, coxsackie B or other enteroviruses cause a rare condition known as epidemic pleurodynia (Bornholm pleurodynia), manifesting as pleuritis, fever, and chest muscle spasms. The condition occurs in the summer to early fall (June through October in the Northern hemisphere, and December to March in the Southern hemisphere) and affects adolescents and young adults.
The primary symptom of viral pleuritis is pleuritic pain; pleural friction rub may be a sign.
Diagnosis is suspected in patients with pleuritic chest pain with or without systemic symptoms of viral infection. Chest radiograph is usually performed. Other causes of pleuritic chest pain, such as pulmonary emboli and pneumonia, need to be considered and sometimes excluded with testing.
Treatment is symptomatic, with oral nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or a short course of oral opioids if needed.
