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An Intravital Microscopy-Based Approach to Assess Intestinal Permeability and Epithelial Cell Shedding Performance
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Constrictive Pericarditis and Protein-Losing Enteropathies: Exploring the Heart-Gut Axis
Lucia Ilaria Birtolo1,2, Endrit Shahini3
1Cardiology Unit, National Institute of Gastroenterology-IRCCS "Saverio de Bellis", 70013 Castellana Grotte, Italy.
Journal of Clinical Medicine
|September 14, 2024
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis rarely causes protein-losing enteropathy (PLE) due to intestinal lymphangiectasia. Treatment via pericardiectomy may reverse these cardio-intestinal issues, but its effect on severe hypoalbuminemia remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Gastroenterology
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis is a rare cause of protein-losing enteropathy (PLE).
- PLE in this context is typically induced by secondary intestinal lymphangiectasia.
- This review focuses on the clinical management of this rare condition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the literature on the clinical management of PLE.
- To elucidate the relationship between constrictive pericarditis and intestinal lymphangiectasia.
- To highlight diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive PubMed literature search was conducted.
- Keywords included various forms of pericarditis and enteropathy.
- English-language publications were exclusively reviewed.
Main Results:
- Constrictive pericarditis has diverse etiologies, often idiopathic.
- PLE can lead to immune deficiency and mask tuberculosis.
- Diagnostic tools include cardiac catheterization, endoscopy, MRI/CT, and fecal tests.
Conclusions:
- Constrictive pericarditis is an infrequent cause of PLE.
- Pericardiectomy often resolves associated cardio-intestinal abnormalities.
- The impact of pericardiectomy on severe hypoalbuminemia requires further investigation.
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