What causes pericardial 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 happens 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 pathophysiology of constrictive pericarditis?

Pathophysiology of chronic constrictive pericarditis involves obliteration of pericardial cavity by granulation tissue during healing of an acute episode of fibrinous or serofibrinous pericarditis or resorption of chronic pericardial effusion.

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. Pericarditis after heart attack.

Why is JVP elevated in constrictive pericarditis?

Elevated jugular venous pressure (JVP) is present in virtually all patients that are not hypovolemic. Pericardial constraint results in the inability of the right heart to accommodate inspiratory abdominal venous return, translating to an inspiratory increase in the JVP (Kussmaul’s sign).

Does constrictive pericarditis increase systemic blood pressure?

Patients with constrictive pericarditis have elevated systemic pressures and symptoms related to the low cardiac output, in particular with right cardiac failure such as dyspnoea, orthopnoea and fatigue and occasionally present with liver enlargement and ascites.

What is the clinical presentation of pericarditis?

The most common sign of acute pericarditis is chest pain, usually worsened when taking a deep breath. This pleuritic chest pain begins suddenly, is often sharp, and is felt over the front of the chest. Dull, crushing chest pain, similar to that of a heart attack, can also occur.

Why does pericarditis cause ST elevation?

Abstract. The electrocardiographic changes accompanying pericarditis consist of ST elevation in most of the leads of the 12-lead electrocardiogram. The source of this ST elevation is thought to be local inflammatory changes in the epicardium underlying the inflamed pericardium.

What is constrictive pericarditis symptoms?

If you have symptoms of constrictive pericarditis, including shortness of breath, swelling of the legs and feet, water retention, heart palpitations, and severe swelling of the abdomen, call your cardiologist to schedule an evaluation.