Rare Constrictive Pericarditis Causes Alarm Among Health Professionals
A rare condition, constrictive pericarditis, is causing concern among health professionals. This long-term inflammation of the heart's sac can lead to severe symptoms and, if left untreated, may become life-threatening.
Constrictive pericarditis occurs when the pericardium, the sac around the heart, becomes inflamed and scarred over time. This causes the heart to work harder, leading to symptoms like breathing difficulty, fatigue, swollen abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, weakness, fever, and chest pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent the condition from worsening.
Causes can vary, including heart surgery, radiation therapy, infections, mesothelioma, or unknown factors. Diagnosis involves ruling out other heart conditions and using imaging tests, cardiac catheterization, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram. Treatment focuses on improving heart function with diuretics, pain medication, activity reduction, salt restriction, anti-inflammatories, and, in severe cases, surgery (pericardiectomy). Risk factors include previous pericarditis, autoimmune disorders, heart trauma, certain medications, and being a man between specific ages.
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare but serious condition that requires prompt attention. With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the outlook is promising. However, untreated infection or malignancy can worsen the prognosis. As with any health condition, awareness and understanding are key to improving outcomes.
