Transient constrictive pericarditis following cardiac surgery

Abstract

Transient constrictive pericarditis (CP) is quite rare, with only a few reports presented. Herein, we report 2 cases of transient CP following cardiac surgery. Case 1 was an 80-year-old man who underwent repair of a left ventricular free wall rupture, while Case 2 was a 69-year-old woman who underwent a conventional aortic valve implantation procedure. In both cases, constrictive features developed about 2 weeks after surgery, which were treated successfully by administrations of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Prior to performing a pericardiectomy, NSAID administration should be considered for affected patients who are hemodynamically stable.