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Constrictive Pericarditis With Massive Calcification in Systemic Sclerosis Treated With Pericardiectomy: A Case
Antonio Totaro1, Cosimo Sacra2, Gianluca Testa1
1Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Gemelli Molise Hospital, Campobasso, Italy; Department of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Molise, Campobasso, Italy.
Calcific constrictive pericarditis, a rare systemic sclerosis complication, was successfully treated with pericardiectomy. This surgical intervention significantly improved the patient's congestive heart failure symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Rheumatology
- Surgical Case Report
Background:
- Systemic sclerosis is a rare cause of constrictive pericarditis.
- Calcific constrictive pericarditis presents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge.
Observation:
- A 53-year-old female with limited systemic sclerosis presented with congestive heart failure.
- Diagnosis of calcific constrictive pericarditis was confirmed.
Findings:
- The patient underwent a pericardiectomy via median sternotomy.
- Surgical removal of the calcified pericardium freed the heart.
Implications:
- This case is the first report of surgically treated calcific constrictive pericarditis in systemic sclerosis.
- Pericardiectomy offers a viable treatment option for this rare complication.
- Significant clinical improvement was observed three months post-surgery.
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