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Protein-losing enteropathy in association with constrictive pericarditis
Björn K I Meijers1, Simon Schalla, Filip Eerens
1Department of Cardiology, Maastricht University Hospital, Maastricht, The Netherlands. bjornmeijers@yahoo.com
The International Journal of Cardiovascular Imaging
|February 28, 2006
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis can develop late after heart surgery, leading to heart failure. This case highlights protein-losing enteropathy as a complicating factor, diagnosed using specific imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Nuclear Medicine
Background:
- Acute pericarditis, though usually benign, can progress to constrictive pericarditis.
- Constrictive pericarditis is a potential late complication following coronary bypass grafting.
- Right-sided heart failure can be exacerbated by other conditions.
Observation:
- A patient presented with constrictive pericarditis years after coronary bypass grafting.
- The patient exhibited significant edema due to protein-losing enteropathy and hypoalbuminemia.
- Diagnostic imaging included echocardiography and simultaneous ventricular pressure recordings.
Findings:
- Constrictive pericarditis was confirmed through ultrasound and pressure measurements.
- Protein-losing enteropathy was identified as a key contributor to hypoalbuminemia.
- Intravenous Technetium-99m-labelled human serum albumin successfully imaged intestinal protein loss.
Implications:
- This case underscores the importance of considering constrictive pericarditis in post-cardiac surgery patients with heart failure.
- Protein-losing enteropathy should be investigated in cases of unexplained hypoalbuminemia and edema.
- Advanced imaging techniques are crucial for diagnosing complex cardiovascular and gastrointestinal conditions.
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