Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis

Chronic constrictive pericarditis is a thickened, fibrotic, rigid pericardium that restricts ventricular filling, causing right-sided heart failure (edema, ascites, elevated JVP with prominent y descent, Kussmaul sign). Causes: prior tuberculosis/radiation/surgery/infection. Treatment: diuretics/salt restriction for symptoms; treat underlying cause; definitive therapy is pericardiectomy for symptomatic patients.

Common Symptoms

Right-heart failure (edema/ascites); elevated JVP with y descent/Kussmaul; thickened pericardium; prior TB/radiation

Causes and Pathogenesis

Fibrotic/calcified rigid pericardium restricts diastolic filling, causing right-heart failure.

Treatment

Diuretics/salt restriction; treat cause; pericardiectomy is definitive for symptomatic

Preventive Measures

Treat TB/radiation pericarditis; early recognition.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology/Cardiac-surgery department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.