Constrictive Pericarditis

Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis is the end stage of chronic inflammatory process identified by inelastic, noncompliant pericardium that impairs diastolic filling and cardiac output, eventually leading to heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography is sufficient for exclusion of other forms of heart failure. CT scan and cardiac MRI can be performed to detect pericardial calcifications and deformation of ventricular contour prior to surgical intervention. Given the fact that early surgical treatment is associated with better outcomes, patients with chronic constriction should not be delayed for intervention. Intraoperative TEE must be used to assess cardiac recovery as well as obtain any residual atrio-ventricular valve failure after releasing the inflammatory adhesions.