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Transient constrictive pericarditis: an elusive diagnosis
Sukru Akyuz1, Barış Yaylak, Mehmet Ergelen
1Nusaybin State Hospital, Department of Cardiology, Mardin, Turkey; Isik Sitesi, E Blok, D7 Nusaybin,Mardin, Turkey. sukruakyuz@hotmail.com
Future Cardiology
|December 15, 2010
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) may be reversible, challenging the belief that all cases require surgery. Early diagnosis of transient CP can prevent progression to chronic, irreversible disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis (CP) historically considered irreversible, necessitating pericardiectomy.
- This led to a widespread belief that surgical intervention was the only treatment option for all CP patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce the concept of transient constrictive pericarditis.
- To highlight the importance of recognizing transient CP to potentially avoid pericardiectomy.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing medical literature and clinical understanding of constrictive pericarditis.
- Emphasis on noninvasive diagnostic methods for detecting constrictive physiology.
Main Results:
- Selected patients with CP can be treated effectively without pericardiectomy.
- Clinical improvement in transient CP can occur spontaneously or with medical therapy.
Conclusions:
- Transient constrictive pericarditis is a recognized clinical entity.
- Accurate diagnosis of transient CP is crucial to prevent progression to chronic fibrotic disease and avoid unnecessary surgery.
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