Constrictive Pericarditis with Extensive Calcification and Caseous Necrosis

Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis is a disease where loss of pericardial elasticity and restriction of filling of the cardiac chambers occurs. It is most often seen as an associated symptom of heart failure. Pericardiectomy provides effective treatment for patients with symptomatic constrictive pericarditis, although high rates of morbidity and mortality are related to the procedure. We present a case with extensive calcification, massive caseous necrosis and an important impairment of right ventricular function successfully operated in our institution.

Head-to-head comparison of the diagnostic value of five tests for constrictive tuberculous pericarditis

“…Constrictive pericarditis is a rare and serious disease that accounts for approximately 0.5%-2% of all heart diseases ( Karima et al, 2021 ). It results in decreased pericardial compliance and can severely affect the diastolic filling function of the heart, mainly as a symptom of right heart failure, such as multiple plasma chamber effusions and edema ( Volpe et al, 2020 ). Constrictive pericarditis has a poor prognosis, and pericardiectomy is the primary treatment of choice ( Nishimura et al, 2017 ).…”

Egg-shell calcification in Pick's disease (chronic constrictive pericarditis)

“…Pericardial calcification is a rare finding and one of the rarer conditions associated with it is constrictive pericarditis (Pick's disease) [1] . Severe pericardial calcification causes pericardial plasticity and reduced filing, leading to systemic congestion [2] . We present a case of constrictive pericarditis with egg-shell calcification, which was confirmed during subsequent surgery.…”