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Calcific constrictive pericarditis (CCP) is rare in children but can be caused by tuberculosis. Diagnosis involves cardiac catheterization and angiography, with pericardiectomy as the definitive treatment for this cardiac compression condition.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Infectious Diseases
- Cardiovascular Surgery
Background:
- Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is uncommon in children, often stemming from tuberculosis.
- Calcific constrictive pericarditis (CCP), a severe form of CP, is particularly rare in pediatric patients.
- Symptoms include cardiac compression, necessitating prompt diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- A three-year-old child presented with symptoms indicative of cardiac compression.
- Cardiac catheterization and angiography confirmed calcific constrictive pericarditis (CCP).
- Histologic analysis of surgically removed pericardial tissue revealed a tuberculous etiology.
Findings:
- Tuberculosis is an unusual but significant cause of constrictive pericarditis (CP) in pediatric populations.
- Pericardial calcification in children with CP is a rare finding.
- Cardiac catheterization and angiography are effective diagnostic tools for CCP.
Implications:
- Early diagnosis of CCP in children is crucial for effective management.
- Surgical intervention, specifically pericardiectomy, offers a definitive treatment for CCP.
- Understanding the tuberculous etiology of CCP in children can guide public health strategies and preventative measures.
Abstract:
Calcific constrictive pericarditis (CCP) in a three-year-old child with symptoms of cardiac compression was confirmed by cardiac catheterization and angiography. Histologic examination of the pericardial tissue removed at operation revealed a tuberculous etiology. Though unusual in the pediatric age group, constrictive pericarditis (CP) may occur in children, most often as a complication of tuberculosis. Pericardial calcification may also develop in children with CP, though this too is rare. The diagnosis of CCP can be established by cardiac catheterization and angiography. Pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment.