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Constrictive Pericarditis: A Comprehensive Overview
Haitham Khraishah1, Audrey Kwun1, Joseph A Dearani2
1Department of Medicine, Harrington Heart and Vascular Institute, University Hospitals, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.
Insights
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) causes stiffening of the heart
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pathophysiology
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis (CP) results from pericardial scarring due to inflammation.
- CP often presents insidiously with diastolic heart failure symptoms, delaying diagnosis.
- Symptoms include ascites, hepatomegaly, pedal edema, and hepatic cirrhosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical presentation of constrictive pericarditis.
- To elucidate the pathophysiology of constrictive pericarditis.
- To outline diagnostic workup and management strategies for CP.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of constrictive pericarditis.
- Synthesis of information on clinical presentation, pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
Main Results:
- Delayed diagnosis is common due to non-specific symptoms.
- Understanding pathophysiology aids in recognizing subtle clinical signs.
- Comprehensive diagnostic workup is crucial for timely identification.
Conclusions:
- This review addresses knowledge gaps in constrictive pericarditis.
- Highlights include diagnostic challenges and management options.
- Emphasizes the need for early recognition and appropriate treatment.
Abstract:
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is characterized by stiff scarred pericardium as a result of repeated inflammatory insults. Patients with CP usually present with diastolic heart failure symptoms, including ascites, hepatomegaly, pedal edema, and potentially hepatic cirrhosis. This leads to delayed diagnosis. This review aims to fill the knowledge gaps in clinical presentation, pathophysiology, and diagnostic workup of CP. Furthermore, we highlight the key medical and surgical management aspects of CP.
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