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Updated: Jul 10, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
[Outcome of pericardiectomy for chronic constrictive pericarditis]
Ana M Peset1, Vicens Martí, Montserrat Cardona
1Departamento de Cardiología y Cirugía Cardiaca, Hospital de la Santa Creu i de Sant Pau, Barcelona, España. apeset@santpau.es
Insights
Pericardiectomy surgery improved symptoms for most patients with constrictive pericarditis. However, some patients had limited improvement, potentially due to incomplete myocardial recovery after the pericardial effusion treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Context:
- Chronic constrictive pericarditis presents a significant clinical challenge.
- Pericardiectomy is a surgical option for managing this condition.
Purpose:
- To evaluate the early and late clinical outcomes of pericardiectomy in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis.
Summary:
- This retrospective study analyzed 31 patients undergoing pericardiectomy between 1982 and 2005, with a mean follow-up of 6.7 years.
- In-hospital mortality was 16%, with low cardiac output syndrome being the primary cause of death.
- While the majority of survivors experienced symptomatic improvement, a subset showed limited benefit, possibly linked to persistent myocardial dysfunction.
Impact:
- Pericardiectomy offers symptomatic relief for many patients with constrictive pericarditis.
- Understanding factors influencing outcomes, such as myocardial function, is crucial for patient selection and management.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to assess early and late outcomes following treatment of chronic constrictive pericarditis by pericardiectomy. A retrospective analysis was carried out in 31 consecutive patients who underwent surgery between 1982 and 2005. The mean follow-up period was 6.7 years. In-hospital mortality was 16% (5/31 patients). The cause of death was low cardiac output syndrome in three patients, septic shock in one, and hemorrhage in the remaining patient. In six of the 26 surviving patients, functional class did not substantially improve and, in one patient, it worsened. The cumulative actuarial survival probability was 82% at 6 months, 82% at 1-9 years, and 64% at 10 years. In conclusion, pericardiectomy improved symptomatology in the majority of patients during late follow-up. A subgroup of patients did not experience an amelioration in clinical symptoms, probably because myocardial function did not completely recover.
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