Atypical chest x-ray calcification in an idiopathic constrictive pericarditis case

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Cardiac Surgery

Background:

• Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon condition characterized by pericardial thickening, fibrosis, and calcification.
• It leads to heart failure due to impaired diastolic filling.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a case of constrictive pericarditis in a 50-year-old female patient.
• To highlight the diagnostic findings and successful surgical management.

Main Methods:

• Case presentation of a 50-year-old female with progressive dyspnea, abdominal swelling, and edema.
• Diagnostic workup included chest X-ray, transthoracic echocardiography, cardiac CT, and heart catheterization.
• Surgical pericardiectomy was performed.

Main Results:

• Chest X-ray showed cardiac calcification; echocardiography revealed biatrial enlargement.
• Cardiac CT demonstrated significant pericardial thickening and calcification.
• Heart catheterization confirmed elevated and equalized diastolic pressures.
• Pericardiectomy revealed a constricting, calcified pericardium.

Conclusions:

• Constrictive pericarditis requires a multi-modal diagnostic approach.
• Surgical pericardiectomy is an effective treatment for relieving symptoms and improving cardiac function.
• Complete recovery and improved functional class were achieved postoperatively.