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[Unilateral transudative pleural effusion and constritive pericarditis]
M Veil-Picard1, G Rival2, B Aupècle3
1Service de pneumologie, CHU de Besançon, 4, boulevard Fleming, 25000 Besançon, France.
Revue Des Maladies Respiratoires
|January 26, 2015
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis can present as a unilateral pleural effusion, mimicking other conditions. Early diagnosis via cardiac catheterization and pericardial examination is crucial for effective treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis involves pericardial thickening, fibrosis, or inflammation, potentially causing right ventricle dysfunction.
- It typically presents as a chronic condition with diverse clinical manifestations.
- This study highlights constrictive pericarditis discovered during the investigation of left-sided pleural effusions.
Observation:
- Two cases of constrictive pericarditis are presented, one chronic and one related to pericardial effusions.
- Both cases exhibited increased dyspnea and new left-sided pleural effusions.
- Diagnostic challenges included non-invasive methods failing to detect cardiac disease, with differences in pericardial calcification versus effusion.
Findings:
- Right heart catheterization confirmed constrictive pericarditis in both cases.
- Subtotal pericardectomy proved an effective treatment modality.
- Thoracic manifestations commonly include bilateral pleural effusions, but unilateral involvement, exudative/transudative effusions, fibrosis, chylothorax, or tumor-like presentations can occur.
Implications:
- Constrictive pericarditis should be considered in patients presenting with unusual pleural effusions.
- Pericardial examination and cardiac catheterization are vital for accurate diagnosis and differential diagnosis.
- Prompt diagnosis and surgical intervention (pericardectomy) can lead to successful outcomes.
Keywords:
Constrictive pericarditisPathologies pleuralesPericardial effusionPleural diseasesPleural effusionPéricardectomie subtotalePéricardite constrictiveSubtotal pericardectomyÉpanchement pleuralÉpanchement péricardiqueMore Related Videos
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