Table of Contents
What is constrictive pericarditis caused by?
Who does it affect? Constrictive pericarditis is most likely to happen to people who have a history of heart surgery, radiation therapy around their heart, or idiopathic/viral pericarditis (idiopathic means “unknown”). In developing countries, tuberculosis is the most common cause.
What is the commonest cause of constrictive pericarditis in the developing world?
TB is, by far, the most common cause of pericardial constriction in the developing world, accounting for about 40-90% of cases seen in different series. By contrast, less than 5% of cases of pericardial constriction in the developed world are attributable to TB.
Why does constrictive pericarditis cause rapid y descent?
In constrictive pericarditis, the characteristic sharp and deep y descent reflects rapid filling in early diastole which occurs when the unyielding pericardium elevates atrial pressure and limits ventricular filling to the early diastolic period.
What causes heart constriction?
Viral infections leading to inflammation of the pericardium are one of the more common causes of pericardial constriction. It can also develop as a side effect of radiation therapy or heart surgery. Less common causes include connective tissue diseases, cancer, and complications from other types of infections.
What is constrictive pericardial?
Constrictive pericarditis is a process where the sac-like covering of the heart (the pericardium) becomes thickened and scarred. Related conditions include: Bacterial pericarditis. Pericarditis.
What causes Dressler syndrome?
Experts think Dressler syndrome is caused by the immune system’s response to heart damage. Your body reacts to the injured tissue by sending immune cells and proteins (antibodies) to clean up and repair the affected area. Sometimes this response causes excessive inflammation in the pericardium.
What is constrictive pericarditis?
Constrictive pericarditis is a condition where the walls of the fluid-filled pouch around your heart, the pericardium, become too stiff or thick. That keeps your heart from beating properly and can cause severe complications over time.
What is the prevalence of restrictive pericarditis in the US?
Expert Analysis. Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a relatively uncommon form of clinical heart failure. The true population prevalence is unknown, but amongst those with viral pericarditis it has been estimated to occur in less than 0.5% of cases. 1 However, because it is potentially reversible, the diagnosis must not be missed.
What increases my risk for 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.
What are the treatments for pericarditis?
Treatment focuses on improving your heart’s function. In the early stages of pericarditis, the following may be recommended: If it’s clear that you have constrictive pericarditis and your symptoms have become severe, your doctor may suggest a pericardiectomy. In this surgery, parts of the scarred sac are cut away from around the heart.