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Published on: February 11, 2022
Effusive--constrictive epicarditis that developed more than 5 years after ventricular septal defect closure: two
N Okamoto1, H Shiraishi, H Konishi
1Department of Pediatircs, Jichi Medical School, Minamikawachi, Tochigi, 329-0498, Japan. soeji@jichi.ac.jp
Insights
Effusive-constrictive epicarditis is a rare complication following ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure in children. Surgical relief via epicardiectomy offers a potential treatment for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Constrictive epicarditis is an exceptionally rare condition in pediatric patients.
- Effusive-constrictive epicarditis, a specific form, has limited reported cases, particularly in infants post-congenital heart surgery.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of effusive-constrictive epicarditis are presented.
- The onset of this condition occurred over five years after surgical closure of a ventricular septal defect (VSD).
Findings:
- This report details the first pediatric case of effusive-constrictive epicarditis following VSD closure.
- Epicardiectomy was successfully performed, leading to relief of the condition.
Implications:
- Highlights a rare but significant long-term complication of VSD repair.
- Suggests epicardiectomy as a viable therapeutic option for pediatric effusive-constrictive epicarditis post-VSD closure.
- Emphasizes the need for continued monitoring in pediatric patients after congenital heart defect surgery.
Abstract:
We describe two children diagnosed with effusive-constrictive epicarditis that developed more than 5 years after ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure. Constrictive epicarditis is extremely rare in children and there are few reports of infants with effusive-constrictive epicarditis associated with congenital heart disease surgery. This is the first pediatric case report of effusive-constrictive epicarditis occurring after VSD closure that was relieved by epicardiectomy.
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