Constructive Pericarditis Flashcards
Define Constructive Pericarditis?
Chronic inflammation of the pericardium with thickening and scarring which limits the ability of the heart to function to normally
Why is Constructive Pericarditis often underdiagnosed?
It is difficult to distinguish it from restrictive cardiomyopathy and other causes of RH failure
When can Constructive Pericarditis occur?
After any pericardial disease process
What are some common causes of Pericarditits?
Idiopathic Virus TB Mediastinal Irradiation Post-surgical Connective tissue disease
What is the epidemiology of Constructive Pericarditis?
RARE
Documented in all ages
9% of patients with acute pericarditis will develop Constructive Pericarditis
TB has the highest TOTAL INCIDENCE out of all causes
More common in males
What is the onset of symptoms of Constructive Pericarditis?
Gradual
What are the early symptoms and signs of Constructive Pericarditis?
They may be very subtle
What are the advanced symptoms and signs of Constructive Pericarditis?
Jaundice
Cachexia
Muscle Wasting
Right Heart Failure signs
What are right heart failure signs?
Dyspnoea Peripheral Oedema Raised JVP Kussmaul's Sign (paradoxical rise in JVP on inspiration) Pulsatile hepatomegaly
What investigations would you use for Constructive Pericarditis?
CXR Echocardiogram MRI CT Pericardial Biopsy
What might we see on an CXR for Constructive Pericarditis?
May show calcification of the pericardium
Why might we do an Echocardiogram for Constructive Pericarditis?
Usualy diagnostic and helps distinguish from restrictive cardiomyography
Why might we do a CT and MRI for Constructive Pericarditis?
Allows assessment of thickness of pericardium
Why might we do a Pericardial Biopsy for Constructive Pericarditis?
May be indicated (especially if suspected infective cause)
