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Updated: Jul 11, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Prognosis of idiopathic recurrent pericarditis as determined from previously published reports
Massimo Imazio1, Antonio Brucato, Yehuda Adler
1Cardiology Department, Ospedale Maria Vittoria, Torino, Italy. massimo_imazio@yahoo.it
Abstract:
After a systematic review of all publications on recurrent pericarditis from 1966 to 2006, we identified 8 major clinical series including a total of 230 patients with idiopathic recurrent pericarditis (mean age 46 years, men/women ratio: 0.9). After a mean follow-up of 61 months, the complication rate was 3.5% cardiac tamponade and 0% constrictive pericarditis and left ventricular dysfunction. The overall life prognosis is excellent in idiopathic recurrent pericarditis and complications are uncommon. In conclusion constrictive pericarditis was never reported despite numerous recurrences, and the risk is lower than in idiopathic acute pericarditis (approximately 1%). Thus, it is important to reassure patients on their prognosis, explaining the nature of the disease, and the likely course. Therapeutic choices should take into account of the overall good outcome of these patients, including less toxic agents.
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