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Calcific constrictive pericarditis in a patient presenting with right heart failure
Ilknur Can1, Ulkü Kerimoğlu, Kurtuluş Ozdemir
1Department of Cardiology, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey. ilknur1973@gmail.com
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis, characterized by pericardial calcification, caused a 45-year-old man's symptoms. Medical management was initiated after the patient declined surgery for this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Radiology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis is a serious cardiac condition often resulting from inflammation or infection.
- Diagnosis typically involves imaging and clinical assessment.
Observation:
- A 45-year-old male presented with a six-month history of dyspnea, abdominal distension, and pedal edema.
- Imaging revealed severe pericardial calcification, consistent with constrictive pericarditis.
Findings:
- Chest X-ray showed dense pericardial calcification.
- Echocardiography confirmed constrictive pericarditis.
- Chest CT identified diffuse, incomplete pericardial calcification and a dilated superior vena cava.
Implications:
- This case highlights the diagnostic utility of combined imaging modalities in constrictive pericarditis.
- It underscores the importance of considering medical management when surgical intervention is refused.
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