Pericarditis; constrictive

Alternative names:

constrictive pericarditis

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to improve heart function. The cause must be identified and treated. This may include antibiotics, antituberculosis medications, or other treatments.

Diuretics are commonly prescribed in small doses to gradually decrease excess fluid. Analgesics may be needed to control pain. Decreased activity may be recommended for some cases, and a low sodium diet may be recommended.

Surgical pericardiectomy (cutting or removal of part of the pericardium) is the definitive treatment and may be recommended if scarring is severe.

Expectations (prognosis):

Constrictive pericarditis may be life threatening if untreated. A pericardiectomy may have a relatively high death rate and is usually reserved for severely symptomatic cases.

Complications:

• cardiac tamponade
• heart failure
• pulmonary edema
• myocardial fibrosis (scarring of the heart muscle)
• damage to the coronary arteries

Calling your health care provider:

Call the health care provider if symptoms indicate constrictive pericarditis may be present.