Constrictive pericarditis
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| Constrictive pericarditis | |
|---|---|
| File:Blausen 0470 HeartWall.png | |
| Synonyms | N/A |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Fatigue, swelling of the abdomen or legs, shortness of breath |
| Complications | Heart failure, arrhythmia |
| Onset | Gradual |
| Duration | Long term |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Tuberculosis, viral infection, radiation therapy, heart surgery |
| Risks | Tuberculosis, chronic kidney disease, autoimmune disorders |
| Diagnosis | Echocardiogram, CT scan, MRI, cardiac catheterization |
| Differential diagnosis | Restrictive cardiomyopathy, pericardial effusion |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Diuretics, pericardiectomy |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Variable, depending on cause and treatment |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Constrictive Pericarditis is a medical condition characterized by a thickened, fibrotic pericardium, limiting the heart's ability to function normally. It is a long-term, or chronic, form of Pericarditis.
Causes[edit]
Constrictive Pericarditis is usually the result of a process that leads to inflammation of the Pericardium, the thin sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This can be caused by:
- Heart surgery
- Radiation therapy to the chest
- Tuberculosis and other infections
- Inflammatory disorders such as Rheumatoid arthritis or Lupus
- Cancer that has spread to the pericardium
Symptoms[edit]
Symptoms of Constrictive Pericarditis can mimic those of other conditions, such as liver disease or heart failure. They may include:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the abdomen or legs
- Chest pain
- Cough
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of Constrictive Pericarditis may involve a variety of tests, including:
Treatment[edit]
Treatment for Constrictive Pericarditis typically involves managing the symptoms and, in some cases, surgery to remove the pericardium (Pericardiectomy).
Prognosis[edit]
The prognosis for Constrictive Pericarditis varies depending on the cause and the individual's overall health. With treatment, many people can lead a normal life.
Gallery[edit]
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Constrictive pericarditis
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Chest X-ray showing tuberculosis
See Also[edit]
References[edit]
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