Highlights •Pericarditis is the most common disease of the pericardium. Generally self-limiting, pericarditis can be fraught by a significant risk of acute complications and of recurrences. •Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment of acute pericarditis may reduce the risk of acute complications and recurrences. •New therapies, such as IL-1 blockers, show promising results in patients with recurrent/refractory pericarditis. •Future studies are needed to deepen the knowledge about pericarditis pathophysiology and provide targeted therapies.