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Published on: November 18, 2018
Idiopathic calcific constrictive pericarditis causing pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect
Shao-Ju Chien1, Chi-Di Liang, Sheung-Fat Ko
1Department of Pediatric Cardiology, Chang Gung Children's Hospital, 123 Ta-Pei Road, Niao Sung Hsiang, Kaohsiung County 833, Taiwan.
Insights
This case report details a rare instance of pulmonary stenosis due to calcific constrictive pericarditis in a patient with a ventricular septal defect. Surgical intervention led to a positive outcome, resolving symptoms and improving cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Congenital heart defects and pericardial diseases can present complex diagnostic challenges.
- Pulmonary stenosis and ventricular septal defects are known congenital abnormalities.
- Constrictive pericarditis, particularly calcific, is a less common cause of significant hemodynamic compromise.
Observation:
- A 16-year-old male presented with progressive dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, and edema.
- Initial echocardiography suggested Tetralogy of Fallot.
- Chest radiography and CT revealed calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis.
Findings:
- Cardiac catheterization confirmed calcific constrictive pericarditis and pulmonary stenosis.
- The patient had an associated congenital ventricular septal defect.
- This represents the first reported case of this specific combination of conditions.
Implications:
- Surgical pericardiectomy and ventricular septal defect repair can effectively manage this rare condition.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for favorable patient outcomes.
- Highlights the importance of considering pericardial disease in complex pediatric cardiac presentations.
Abstract:
We describe an unusual case of pulmonary stenosis caused by calcific constrictive pericarditis associated with a congenital ventricular septal defect in a 16-year-old boy who had a 2-week history of progressive dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, and bilateral leg edema. Echocardiographic findings led to an initial diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot; however, findings on chest radiography and CT were suggestive of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis, which was then confirmed on cardiac catheterization. Total pericardiectomy and repair of the ventricular septal defect resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Follow-up examinations at 6 and 20 months showed that the patient was asymptomatic and considered to have class I New York Heart Association functional status. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect.
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