Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 11, 2026
03:47
A Retrospective Study on Endoscopic Surgery for the Treatment of Paravertebral Abscess in Spinal Tuberculosis Patients
Published on: October 25, 2024
677
Constrictive pericarditis: retrospective study of 109 patients
Mukesh Kumawat1, Tapan Kumar Lahiri1, Damyanti Agarwal1
1Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Asian Cardiovascular & Thoracic Annals
|April 29, 2018
Summary
Chronic constrictive pericarditis, a common diastolic heart disorder, can be effectively treated with pericardiectomy. This surgical procedure, performed via sternotomy or thoracotomy, offers significant improvement in cardiac function.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
- Pericardial Diseases
Background:
- Chronic constrictive pericarditis is the most frequent diastolic heart disorder, characterized by pericardial non-elasticity and impaired diastolic function.
- Clinical presentation often mimics right heart failure, with etiology being historically relevant but not definitively diagnostic.
- Echocardiography and hemodynamic studies are key diagnostic modalities, with pericardial thickness ≥7 mm being highly specific for constrictive features.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and outcomes of pericardiectomy in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis.
- To compare the outcomes of pericardiectomy performed via different surgical approaches.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of data from 109 patients who underwent pericardiectomy between January 1987 and June 2016.
- Analysis of patient outcomes, including mortality and hemodynamic improvement post-surgery.
Main Results:
- The study included 109 patients who underwent pericardiectomy, with a low mortality rate of only 2 patients.
- Pericardiectomy, regardless of surgical approach (mid-sternotomy or anterolateral thoracotomy), demonstrated positive outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Pericardiectomy is a viable treatment for progressive, fibrotic, and thickened pericardial conditions impairing diastolic filling.
- While initial results may not be dramatic, continued improvement is expected due to left ventricular dimension enlargement post-surgery.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
432
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...
432
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
369
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...
369
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
382
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.
382
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
344
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...
344
01:15Bioavailability Study Design: Healthy Subjects Versus Patients
162
Bioavailability studies are essential for evaluating a drug's therapeutic efficacy and understanding its absorption patterns under various physiological conditions. Conducting such studies on target patient populations provides more relevant data by simulating real-world disease states. However, practical challenges often necessitate the use of young, healthy adult volunteers as study subjects.Patients may exhibit altered drug absorption patterns due to the effects of the disease itself,...
162
01:13Patient-centered Care
3.1K
Patient-centered care involves delivering care beyond inpatient hospitalization. Reflective practice can enhance a patient-centered approach. Reflective practice is a process of reasoning that considers all aspects of the present situation, including practicalities, learning from personal practice, and consideration of patient needs. Patients appreciate care decisions made while considering their input. Involving the patient in their care provides the patient with a sense of contribution rather...
3.1K