Constrictive pericarditis following epicardial pacemaker implant: a diagnostic dilemma

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Cardiovascular Surgery
• Critical Care Medicine

Background:

• Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon complication post-cardiac surgery, predominantly observed in adult populations.
• It is characterized by inflammation and thickening of the pericardium, restricting the heart's ability to pump effectively.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of constrictive pericarditis in a pediatric patient following cardiac surgery.
• To emphasize the importance of considering constrictive pericarditis in the differential diagnosis of pediatric patients with unexplained cardiac dysfunction post-surgery.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a 3-year-old child with constrictive pericarditis.
• Review of the patient's history, including permanent pacemaker implantation in infancy for congenital complete heart block.
• Evaluation of right ventricular dysfunction in the context of suspected constrictive pericarditis.

Main Results:

• The patient, a 3-year-old child, presented with right ventricular dysfunction.
• Constrictive pericarditis was diagnosed following permanent pacemaker implantation during infancy for congenital complete heart block.
• This case underscores the possibility of this complication in young children.

Conclusions:

• Constrictive pericarditis can occur in pediatric patients, even after procedures like pacemaker implantation for congenital heart defects.
• Early suspicion and diagnostic evaluation are crucial for timely management of constrictive pericarditis in children.
• This case expands the understanding of constrictive pericarditis incidence and presentation in pediatric populations.