Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
07:27
Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Noninfectious constrictive pericarditis in a heart transplant recipient
Ravi K Ramana1, G Steinar Gudmundsson, Gary J Maszak
1Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA.
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis is a serious complication after heart transplantation, often mistaken for heart failure or rejection. Early diagnosis is crucial for patients with refractory congestive heart failure symptoms post-transplant.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Transplantation Medicine
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Cardiac transplant recipients face significant risks including acute rejection, infection, and allograft coronary artery disease.
- Pericardial and mediastinal complications are increasingly recognized as common issues following cardiac transplantation.
Observation:
- A heart transplant patient presented with worsening congestive heart failure unresponsive to standard treatments for heart failure and rejection.
- Invasive evaluation revealed the patient's condition was caused by post-transplantation constrictive pericarditis.
Findings:
- Constrictive pericarditis can mimic or complicate congestive heart failure exacerbations in heart transplant recipients.
- This diagnosis should be considered in patients with refractory heart failure symptoms after cardiac surgery, particularly heart transplant patients.
Implications:
- Recognizing constrictive pericarditis is vital for appropriate management of heart transplant recipients with refractory congestive heart failure.
- This case highlights the importance of considering less common diagnoses when standard treatments fail in post-cardiac transplant patients.
More Related Videos
07:34Cuff-Free Suture-Based Cervical Model for Secondary Heterotopic Heart Transplantation to Evaluate Donor-Specific Immune Tolerance in Mice
Published on: March 13, 2026
08:15Cervical Heterotopic Mouse Heart Transplantation using End-to-side Anastomosis Technique to Study Transplant Immunology
Published on: July 3, 2026
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
01:30Cardiomyopathy II: Dilated Cardiomyopathy
Dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, is a progressive myocardial disorder characterized by ventricular chamber dilation and contractile dysfunction.EtiologyVarious factors can cause DCM, including hypertension and heavy alcohol intake, which contribute to the weakening and enlargement of the heart muscle. Viral infections, such as Coxsackievirus B, adenoviruses, and influenza, can lead to DCM by causing inflammation and damage to heart tissue. Certain chemotherapeutic agents, including daunorubicin,...
01:28Kidney Transplant I: Introduction
A kidney transplant is a surgical approach that involves replacing a non-functioning kidney with a healthy one from a donor. This procedure is often a treatment option for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. The method requires careful recipient selection, including evaluating various medical and psychosocial factors. These criteria vary between transplant centers but generally include assessments of the patient's overall health, adherence to medical recommendations, and lifestyle...