Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 22, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
07:15

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

Contemporary etiologies, risk factors, and outcomes after pericardiectomy

Timothy J George1, George J Arnaoutakis, Claude A Beaty

  • 1Division of Cardiac Surgery, The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, Baltimore, Maryland 21287, USA.

The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|May 25, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Pericardiectomy is a safe surgery for constrictive pericarditis, but survival varies by cause. Post-radiation pericarditis and low albumin levels significantly reduce long-term survival rates.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Thoracic Surgery
  • Medical Research

Background:

  • The causes of constrictive pericarditis have evolved, impacting surgical pericardiectomy indications and complexity.
  • This study evaluates a single-center's experience with pericardiectomy in a contemporary patient cohort.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To define the etiologies, risk factors, and outcomes of pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.
  • To analyze survival rates and identify predictors of mortality in patients undergoing pericardiectomy.

Main Methods:

  • Retrospective review of 98 adult patients undergoing pericardiectomy for constrictive disease from 1995 to 2010.
  • Evaluation of demographic, comorbid, operative, and outcome data.
  • Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and multivariable Cox regression for mortality risk factors.

Main Results:

  • Idiopathic (44), postoperative (30), and post-radiation (17) were the most common etiologies.
  • Overall 1-, 5-, and 10-year survival rates were 82.5%, 64.3%, and 49.2%.
  • Post-radiation etiology and hypoalbuminemia were associated with decreased long-term survival, while cardiopulmonary bypass predicted 30-day mortality.

Conclusions:

  • Pericardiectomy remains a safe procedure for constrictive pericarditis, despite variations in survival based on etiology.
  • Post-radiation pericarditis and hypoalbuminemia are critical risk factors impacting long-term patient survival.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine10:05

Testing the Efficacy of Pharmacological Agents in a Pericardial Target Delivery Model in the Swine

Published on: July 7, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management01:25

Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management

Pericarditis, an inflammation of the pericardium, necessitates diligent nursing management to ensure effective patient care and recovery. The initial step in managing pericarditis is a comprehensive patient medical assessment.The patient reports chest pain aggravated by breathing, coughing, and swallowing, which worsens when lying supine. The pain often improves when sitting up and leaning forward. Additional symptoms may include fever, malaise, and, in severe cases, signs of heart failure.
Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management01:28

Cardiomyopathy VII: Pre and Post Operative Nursing Management

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction who remain symptomatic despite optimal medical therapy may undergo a septal myectomy (Morrow procedure). This procedure involves excising a portion of the hypertrophied septum below the aortic valve using a heart-lung machine to improve blood flow through the LVOT. Effective preoperative and postoperative nursing management ensures successful patient outcomes, minimizes complications, and...
Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care01:29

Cardiomyopathy V: Interprofessional Care

Managing cardiomyopathy involves addressing underlying or precipitating causes, treating heart failure with medications, and implementing dietary changes and a balanced exercise and rest regimen.Lifestyle ModificationsCardiomyopathy patients should adopt a low-sodium diet to reduce fluid retention and manage heart failure. A personalized exercise and rest plan helps maintain physical fitness without overstraining the heart. Avoiding alcohol and tobacco is essential to prevent further damage to...