Constrictive pericarditis

Question 1

Define constrictive pericarditis

Answer 1

Chronic inflammation of the pericardium (outer sac) with thickening and scarring

Question 1

what are the causes of constrictive pericarditis?

Answer 1

• Idiopathic
• Infectious (TB, bacterial, viral)
• Acute pericarditis
• Cardiac surgery and radiation

Question 2

what are the signs and symptoms of constrictive pericarditis?

Answer 2

Similar to restrictive cardiomyopathy

• RHF presentation (raised JVP, oedema)
• Kussmaul’s sign

Question 3

what are the investigations for constrictive pericarditis?

Answer 3

• CXR: pericardial calcification
• Echo: increased pericardial thickness – differentiate from restrictive cardiomyopathy
• Cardiac CT/MRI