One of the aftereffects of some cases of pericarditis is the development of a very stiff pericardium. It is similar to the result of soaking your leather shoes in the rain—the leather becomes stiff. The stiff pericardium decreases the ability of the heart muscle to expand between contractions and fill with blood. It occurs in all age groups, but it is more common after age 30.
Causes of Pericardial Constriction.
Pericarditis that was originally caused by infectious agents such as tuberculosis, by radiation exposure during treatment of cancers in the chest, or by inflammatory conditions is most likely to lead to pericardial constriction.
Symptoms of Pericardial Constriction. Pericardial constriction involves both ventricles, but the most prominent symptoms are usually those of right-sided heart failure such as swelling of the abdomen and legs. Shortness of breath and fatigue are also common and usually precede the swelling.
How Serious Is Pericardial Constriction? In cases of heart failure, the pericardium may need to be removed surgically. If this happens, you do not need to worry. You can get along fine without your pericardium, just as you can get along without your appendix or gallbladder.
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PERICARDIAL DISEASE: PERICARDIAL CONSTRICTION (STIFFNESS)One of the aftereffects of some cases of pericarditis is the development of a very stiff pericardium. It is similar to the result of soaking your leather shoes in the rain—the leather becomes stiff. The stiff pericardium decreases the ability of the heart muscle to expand between contractions and fill with blood. It occurs in all age groups, but it is more common after age 30.Causes of Pericardial Constriction.Pericarditis that was originally caused by infectious agents such as tuberculosis, by radiation exposure during treatment of cancers in the chest, or by inflammatory conditions is most likely to lead to pericardial constriction.Symptoms of Pericardial Constriction. Pericardial constriction involves both ventricles, but the most prominent symptoms are usually those of right-sided heart failure such as swelling of the abdomen and legs. Shortness of breath and fatigue are also common and usually precede the swelling.How Serious Is Pericardial Constriction? In cases of heart failure, the pericardium may need to be removed surgically. If this happens, you do not need to worry. You can get along fine without your pericardium, just as you can get along without your appendix or gallbladder.*219\252\8*
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