Constrictive Pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is chronic inflammation of the pericardium with thickening, scarring, and muscle tightening. In constrictive pericarditis, the easily distensible, thin parietal and visceral pericardial linings become inflamed, thickened, and fused. Because of these changes, the potential space between the linings is obliterated, and the ventricle loses distensibility. Venous return to the heart becomes limited, and ventricular filling is reduced, with associated inability to maintain adequate preload. Filling pressures of the heart tend to become equal in both the ventricles and the atria. Pericardiectomy is the predominant definitive treatment. Hemodynamic and symptomatic improvements are rapid.