Chronic calcific constrictive pericarditis complicating Churg-Strauss syndrome: first reported case

Falah Aboukhoudir1, Michel Pansieri1, Sofiene Rekik1

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Avignon Hospital Center, Avignon, France.

Insights

Churg-Strauss syndrome, a vasculitis, can lead to constrictive calcified pericarditis, a rare cardiac complication. This case highlights its development over 10 years despite corticosteroid treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Rheumatology
  • Pathology

Background:

  • Churg-Strauss syndrome (CSS) is a systemic necrotizing vasculitis.
  • CSS involves eosinophilic infiltrates and granulomas in small vessels.
  • Cardiac complications are known in CSS, but pericarditis is rarely reported.

Observation:

  • A 46-year-old man with CSS developed symptomatic calcific constrictive pericarditis.
  • The pericarditis developed over a 10-year period.
  • The patient received long-term corticosteroid therapy.

Findings:

  • This is the first reported case of constrictive calcified pericarditis in Churg-Strauss syndrome.
  • The condition progressed despite immunosuppressive therapy.

Implications:

  • Highlights a rare but serious cardiac manifestation of CSS.
  • Suggests the need for vigilant cardiac monitoring in CSS patients.
  • May inform long-term management strategies for CSS with cardiac involvement.

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