[A case of effusive-constrictive pericarditis and its surgical treatment]

A 69-year-old male of effusive-constrictive pericarditis with a symptom of right heart failure was reported. The patient underwent surgery, as the medical treatment had not been effective. Through median spritting, very thickened pericardium and calcified epicardium of the right atrium, the right ventricle and the left ventricle were resected as largely as possible. In the space between the pericardium and epicardium, there existed yellow and thick fluid of about 50 ml which was evacuated. After surgery hemodynamic improvement was observed and the patient experienced a smooth postoperative course. Although pathological examinations revealed no special findings except the increased activity of adenosine deaminase of the yellow and thick fluid, tuberculosis was mostly suspected as the cause of the disease.