What is the outcome of pericarditis?

Or the condition may be “chronic,” meaning that it develops over time and may take longer to treat. Both types of pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal function. In rare cases, pericarditis can have very serious consequences, possibly leading to abnormal heart rhythm and death.

What is the definitive treatment for constrictive pericarditis?

Definitive treatment for constrictive pericarditis is surgical pericardiectomy.

How does constrictive pericarditis cause right heart failure?

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a potentially curable cause of diastolic heart failure. The scarred, and non-compliant pericardium causes restraint to early diastolic ventricular filling, resulting in the equalisation of intracardiac diastolic filling pressures, producing the so-called “single diastolic chamber”.

What does constrictive pericarditis increase?

The normal pericardium minimally impedes ventricular distensibility at normal cardiac operating volumes. In CP, pericardial non-compliance creates a stiff ventricular-pericardial unit, leading to increased diastolic pressures and more rapid rise in ventricular pressures for a given venous return.

What are the complications of constrictive pericarditis?

Chronic constrictive pericarditis. Some people with long-term (chronic) pericarditis develop permanent thickening and scarring of the pericardium, which prevents the heart from filling and emptying properly. This unusual complication often leads to severe swelling of the legs and abdomen and shortness of breath.

How serious is constrictive pericarditis?

Constrictive pericarditis may be life threatening if untreated. However, surgery to treat the condition has a high risk for complications. For this reason, it is most often done in people who have severe symptoms.

What is the most common cause of constrictive pericarditis?

Chronic pericardial inflammation can result in constrictive pericarditis. Tuberculosis is the most common cause of constrictive pericarditis in developing regions of the world [6,7-9].

Can you live a normal life with pericarditis?

Both acute and chronic pericarditis can disrupt your heart’s normal rhythm and/or function and possibly (although rarely) lead to death. However, most cases of pericarditis are mild; they clear up on their own or with rest and simple treatment.

What is the diagnosis and management of constrictive pericarditis?

Constrictive pericarditis: diagnosis, management and clinical outcomes Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a form of diastolic heart failure that arises because an inelastic pericardium inhibits cardiac filling.

What happens if you have untreated constrictive pericarditis?

Untreated pericarditis can become chronic. Systemic lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and other autoimmune diseases have been shown to increase your risk for constrictive pericarditis. Having had a heart attack or having undergone heart surgery can both increase your risk. Pericarditis is a side effect of some medications.

How long does it take for constrictive pericarditis to develop?

The onset of constrictive pericarditis is often insidious, with symptoms very gradually worsening over a period of months or years.

How does the constrictive pericardium affect the heart?

In contrast to the normal pericardium, the constrictive pericardium impedes cardiac filling. The ventricles are able to fill only as long as their volume stays below that allowed by the abnormal pericardium. Once that limit is reached, filling stops prematurely. Venous pressure increases, leading to congestive symptoms and signs.