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

Pediatric Cardiology
|October 6, 2005
PubMed

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.

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