Constrictive Pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is a fibrotic/calcified rigid pericardium that impairs diastolic filling, causing right-sided heart failure (elevated JVP with y descent/Kussmaul sign, edema, ascites, hepatomegaly). Causes include tuberculosis, radiation, prior surgery, and purulent infection. Treatment: diuretics/salt restriction; treat underlying cause; pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment for symptomatic patients.

Common Symptoms

Right-heart failure; elevated JVP/y descent/Kussmaul; ascites/hepatomegaly; thickened/calcified pericardium

Causes and Pathogenesis

Rigid pericardium restricts diastolic filling, causing systemic venous congestion.

Treatment

Diuretics; treat cause; pericardiectomy 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.