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Updated: Jul 30, 2026
08:56
Sterile Pericarditis in Aachener Minipigs As a Model for Atrial Myopathy and Atrial Fibrillation
Published on: September 24, 2021
Pericarditis: a persisting surgical problem
1Cardiothoracic Surgical Unit, University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital and Medical College, Enugu.
Cardiovascular Surgery (London, England)
|December 1, 1994
Summary
Surgical management of chronic pericarditis in a tropical setting effectively improves patient outcomes. Most survivors achieved improved functional capacity, highlighting surgery
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Tropical Medicine
Background:
- Pericarditis presents a significant clinical challenge in tropical regions.
- Surgical intervention patterns and outcomes require evaluation in these environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the current patterns and management strategies for surgically treated pericarditis.
- To evaluate the outcomes of surgical interventions for pericarditis in a tropical setting.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study of 86 patients with pericarditis undergoing surgical treatment over 14.5 years.
- Analysis of patient demographics, pericarditis types, etiological factors, surgical procedures, and outcomes.
- Classification of patients based on New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class.
Main Results:
- The study included 86 patients (mean age 21.1 years), with effusive, calcific, and fibrous pericarditis being common.
- Etiological factors included non-specific infections, pyogenic infections, and rheumatic heart disease.
- Surgical procedures included pericardiotomy with drainage and pericardiectomy.
- Hospital mortality was 8.0%, primarily due to cardiac decompensation and organ failure.
- Of 79 survivors, 91% improved to NYHA functional class I or II.
Conclusions:
- Surgical treatment is the most effective management for chronic pericarditis.
- Improved functional status in survivors underscores the efficacy of surgical intervention.
- Chronic pericarditis remains a significant health issue in certain countries, necessitating effective management strategies.
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