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Constrictive pericarditis with atrial septal defect in children
Insights
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) combined with atrial septal defect (ASD) is rare. Cardiac catheterization is crucial for diagnosing this unusual association, though its cause remains unclear.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Cardiac Surgery
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a rare condition in children.
- Atrial septal defect (ASD) is a common congenital heart defect.
- The co-occurrence of CP and ASD is exceptionally unusual.
Observation:
- This report details two pediatric cases (1 and 13 years old) presenting with coexisting CP and ASD.
- Preoperative diagnosis was achieved in both instances.
- Surgical intervention involved pericardiectomy and ASD closure.
Findings:
- One patient experienced a fatal outcome post-surgery due to low cardiac output.
- The second patient, who also had protein-losing enteropathy, showed dramatic improvement after surgery.
- Cardiac catheterization proved essential for diagnosing this rare combination.
Implications:
- This case series highlights the diagnostic challenges and management considerations for CP associated with ASD in pediatric patients.
- The underlying etiology for this combined condition remains to be elucidated.
- Further research is warranted to understand the pathogenesis and optimize treatment strategies for this rare clinical entity.
Abstract:
Two cases of (1-year-old and 13-year-old) of constrictive pericarditis (CP) associated with atrial septal defect (ASD) are presented. The correct diagnosis was made preoperatively in both cases. Both patients underwent surgery (pericardiectomy and ASD closure). One patient died soon after the surgery because of low cardiac output. The other patient was associated with protein-losing enteropathy and it improved dramatically after the operation. Cardiac catheterization is necessary for the diagnosis of this unusual combination. The cause of this unusual combination is obscure.