Key result
Total pericardiectomy achieves recovery despite complications in a 30-year-old with constrictive pericarditis.
Why the study?
Constrictive pericarditis presents with nonspecific symptoms requiring a high index of suspicion, and no similar cases have been reported in Saudi Arabia.
Case Report (n=1)
No
Total pericardiectomy can be successfully performed in young patients with severe constrictive pericarditis, highlighting the importance of early diagnosis and management.
Background: constrictive pericarditis (CP)is the final stage of a chronic inflammatory process that leads to the thickening and calcification of the heart’s pericardium, restricting its natural elasticity and diastolic filling. CP has nonspecific symptoms; hence, requires a high index of suspicion and complete investigations. Aim of the work: this is a case of a young Saudi female presented with a 3 years history of shortness of breath associated with abdominal distention. Patient and Methods: multimodal imaging, lab workup and cardiac catheterization were done to confirm the diagnosis of CP. Results: the patient was managed by total pericardiectomy; during which her calcification was found to be encasing the heart at its length dimension and invading deeply into the myocardium. The patient experienced complicated postoperative course; however, now is doing fine. Conclusion: to our knowledge there are no similar cases reported in the literature from Saudi Arabia. Therefore, the aim of this case was to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and management of CP for better prognosis.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Alsomali et al. (2019) conducted a case report in Constrictive pericarditis (n=1). Total pericardiectomy was evaluated. Total pericardiectomy was performed on a 30-year-old female with constrictive pericarditis, who survived a complicated postoperative course and is currently doing well.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: