Successful Use of Intra-aortic Balloon Counterpulsation for Systemic Ventricular Failure Following Total Pericardiectomy for Calcific Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis

Abstract

<jats:p> We report two male patients aged 18 and 19 years, respectively, undergoing total pericardiectomy for chronic calcific constrictive pericarditis who developed systemic ventricular failure unresponsive to medical management following surgery. The failing circulation was successfully reestablished using intra-aortic balloon counterpulsation. Aortic counterpulsation facilitates recovery of ventricular function and appears to be a reasonable alternative in select instances of refractory cardiac failure following pericardiectomy. </jats:p>

Assessment of Myocardial Mechanics in Patients Undergoing Pericardiectomy for Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis by Tissue Doppler Imaging and 2D Speckled Tracking Echocardiography: A Prospective Obser

“…[51] Studies by Ha and colleagues and by Sohn and colleagues recommended that e' velocity can provide a helpful diagnostic indicator and should be measured routinely in the evaluation of heart failure or suspected constrictive pericarditis. [30,31] Ha and colleagues recommended the same 8 cm/s cut off value for diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis, where e' velocity is equal or greater than 8 cm/s, with 95% sensitivity and 96% specificity. [49] Ha and colleagues also evaluated the role of tissue Doppler imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis in patients without diagnostic respiratory variation of transmitral early diastolic filling velocity.…”