Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
07:28
Donor Posterior Atrial Flap Rotation for Left Atrial Cuff Reconstruction in Lung Transplantation
Published on: October 11, 2024
Constrictive pericarditis after lung transplantation: A single-center cohort
Rimsha Ahmad1, Sushil A Luis2, Jae K Oh2
1Department of Internal Medicine, Westchester Medical Center, New York Medical College, Valhalla, New York.
JHLT Open
|June 1, 2026
Summary
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare but serious complication after lung transplantation. Early diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion due to nonspecific symptoms and the need for invasive hemodynamic confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis is a known complication post-cardiac surgery.
- It is rarely reported after lung transplantation, presenting diagnostic challenges.
- Limited data exists on its presentation and management in lung transplant recipients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of constrictive pericarditis following lung transplantation.
- To identify diagnostic challenges and outcomes in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of lung transplant recipients at Mayo Clinic (2000-2022).
- Identification of patients who developed constrictive pericarditis post-transplantation.
- Collection of demographic, echocardiographic, hemodynamic, and surgical data.
Main Results:
- 1.6% (15/960) of lung transplant recipients developed constrictive pericarditis; 0.5% (5/960) required pericardiectomy.
- Constrictive pericarditis occurred a median of 8.4 months post-transplant, presenting with dyspnea and pleural effusions.
- Echocardiography and right heart catheterization revealed characteristic findings, with 2-year survival after pericardiectomy at 60%.
Conclusions:
- Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon yet significant complication after lung transplantation.
- Diagnosis is challenging due to nonspecific symptoms and potential limitations of echocardiography.
- A high index of suspicion and invasive hemodynamic confirmation are crucial for diagnosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
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...
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
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...
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
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.
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
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...