Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 10, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Constrictive pericarditis as differential diagnosis of hepatic disease]
R M Mustafá1, D M Braile, O T Greco
1Instituto de Moléstias Cardiovasculares (IMC), São José do Rio Preto, SP.
Insights
A 13-year-old male with constrictive pericarditis, misdiagnosed as hepatitis, achieved recovery after tuberculostatic treatment and pericardiectomy. This case highlights the importance of accurate diagnosis for effective treatment of pericardial diseases.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- A 13-year-old male presented with symptoms initially misdiagnosed as chronic hepatitis for seven years.
- Treatment with furosemide and spironolactone was ineffective, suggesting an alternative underlying condition.
Observation:
- Diagnostic investigations including imaging and pleural biopsy revealed ventricular diastolic restriction caused by constrictive chronic pericarditis.
- Initial tuberculostatic treatment for eight weeks preceded further diagnostic confirmation.
Findings:
- Hemodynamic study confirmed constrictive chronic pericarditis, leading to a pericardiectomy.
- Post-surgery, the patient experienced regression of diastolic restriction, hepatosplenomegaly, and jugular stasis.
Implications:
- This case underscores the critical need for accurate diagnosis in pediatric cardiac conditions, differentiating pericarditis from other diseases.
- Successful management involved a combination of tuberculostatic therapy, surgical intervention (pericardiectomy), and long-term corticosteroid use.
Abstract:
Constrictive chronic pericarditis in a 13-year-old male patient was previously treated as chronic hepatitis for seven years, with the use of furosemide and spironolactone. Investigation for diagnosis included chest radiography, echo-doppler-cardiography, thoracocentesis with pleural biopsy and computerized tomography of chest, and showed ventricular diastolic restriction due to constrictive chronic pericarditis. After eight weeks of tuberculostatic treatment, the patient was submitted to hemodynamic study that confirmed the diagnosis and a pericardiectomy was performed. Long-term follow-up showed regression of diastolic restriction and decrease of hepatosplenomegaly and of jugular stasis. Tuberculostatic drugs were given for 12 months postoperatively, associated to corticosteroids.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

