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The Journal of International Medical... Nov 2020Chronic massive pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade is relatively rare. Nearly half of all patients with chronic large pericardial effusion are asymptomatic.... (Review)
Review
Chronic massive pericardial effusion without cardiac tamponade is relatively rare. Nearly half of all patients with chronic large pericardial effusion are asymptomatic. We report a case of a 77-year-old man who presented with an asymptomatic chronic massive pericardial effusion, with no evidence of cardiac tamponade or pericardial constriction during a 10-year follow-up. The patient had a complex history of lymph node tuberculosis, hypertension, hypothyroidism, and polycythemia vera, as well as high-dose P radiation exposure 45 years ago. There was no evidence of tuberculosis infection, hypothyroidism, malignant tumor, severe heart failure, uremia, trauma, severe bacterial or fungal infection, chronic myeloid leukemia, or bone marrow fibrosis after admission. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis twice. The pericardial effusion comprised exudate fluid with a high proportion of monocytes. The patient refused indwelling catheter drainage or pericardiectomy. The likely final diagnosis was recurrent chronic large idiopathic pericardial effusion.
Topics: Aged; Cardiac Tamponade; Humans; Male; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiectomy; Pericardiocentesis; Pericarditis
PubMed: 33233991
DOI: 10.1177/0300060520973091 -
JTCVS Open Jun 2022
PubMed: 36004268
DOI: 10.1016/j.xjon.2022.04.039 -
The New England Journal of Medicine Jan 2004Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon pericardial syndrome characterized by concomitant tamponade, caused by tense pericardial effusion, and constriction,...
BACKGROUND
Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon pericardial syndrome characterized by concomitant tamponade, caused by tense pericardial effusion, and constriction, caused by the visceral pericardium. We conducted a prospective study of its clinical evolution and management.
METHODS
From 1986 through 2001, all patients with effusive-constrictive pericarditis were prospectively evaluated. Combined pericardiocentesis and cardiac catheterization were performed in all patients, and pericardiectomy was performed in those with persistent constriction. Follow-up ranged from 1 month to 15 years (median, 7 years).
RESULTS
A total of 1184 patients with pericarditis were evaluated, 218 of whom had tamponade. Of these 218, 190 underwent combined pericardiocentesis and catheterization. Fifteen of these patients had effusive-constrictive pericarditis and were included in the study. All patients presented with clinical tamponade; however, concomitant constriction was recognized in only seven patients. At catheterization, all patients had elevated intrapericardial pressure (median, 12 mm Hg; interquartile range, 7 to 18) and elevated right atrial and end-diastolic right and left ventricular pressures. After pericardiocentesis, the intrapericardial pressure decreased (median value, -5 mm Hg; interquartile range, -5 to 0), whereas right atrial and end-diastolic right and left ventricular pressures, although slightly reduced, remained elevated, with a dip-plateau morphology. The causes were diverse, and death was mainly related to the underlying disease. Pericardiectomy was required in seven patients, all of whom had involvement of the visceral pericardium. Three patients had spontaneous resolution.
CONCLUSIONS
Effusive-constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon pericardial syndrome that may be missed in some patients who present with tamponade. Although evolution to persistent constriction is frequent, idiopathic cases may resolve spontaneously. In our opinion, extensive epicardiectomy is the procedure of choice in patients requiring surgery.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Cardiac Tamponade; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Pericardial Effusion; Pericardiectomy; Pericardiocentesis; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Prospective Studies; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 14749455
DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa035630 -
Texas Heart Institute Journal Apr 2017Constrictive pericarditis is the final stage of a chronic inflammatory process characterized by fibrous thickening and calcification of the pericardium that impairs... (Review)
Review
Constrictive pericarditis is the final stage of a chronic inflammatory process characterized by fibrous thickening and calcification of the pericardium that impairs diastolic filling, reduces cardiac output, and ultimately leads to heart failure. Transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging each can reveal severe diastolic dysfunction and increased pericardial thickness. Cardiac catheterization can help to confirm a diagnosis of diastolic dysfunction secondary to pericardial constriction, and to exclude restrictive cardiomyopathy. Early pericardiectomy with complete decortication (if technically feasible) provides good symptomatic relief and is the treatment of choice for constrictive pericarditis, before severe constriction and myocardial atrophy occur. We describe our surgical approach to constrictive pericarditis, summarize our results in 93 patients, and provide a brief overview of the literature.
Topics: Cardiac Catheterization; Humans; Pericardiectomy; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Predictive Value of Tests; Recovery of Function; Treatment Outcome; Ventricular Function
PubMed: 28461794
DOI: 10.14503/THIJ-16-5772 -
The Cochrane Database of Systematic... Sep 2017Tuberculous pericarditis can impair the heart's function and cause death; long term, it can cause the membrane to fibrose and constrict causing heart failure. In... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
BACKGROUND
Tuberculous pericarditis can impair the heart's function and cause death; long term, it can cause the membrane to fibrose and constrict causing heart failure. In addition to antituberculous chemotherapy, treatments include corticosteroids, drainage, and surgery.
OBJECTIVES
To assess the effects of treatments for tuberculous pericarditis.
SEARCH METHODS
We searched the Cochrane Infectious Diseases Group Specialized Register (27 March 2017); the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), published in the Cochrane Library (2017, Issue 2); MEDLINE (1966 to 27 March 2017); Embase (1974 to 27 March 2017); and LILACS (1982 to 27 March 2017). In addition we searched the metaRegister of Controlled Trials (mRCT) and the World Health Organization (WHO) International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) search portal using 'tuberculosis' and 'pericard*' as search terms on 27 March 2017. We searched ClinicalTrials.gov and contacted researchers in the field of tuberculous pericarditis. This is a new version of the original 2002 review.
SELECTION CRITERIA
We included randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs.
DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS
Two review authors independently screened search outputs, evaluated study eligibility, assessed risk of bias, and extracted data; and we resolved any discrepancies by discussion and consensus. One trial assessed the effects of both corticosteroid and Mycobacterium indicus pranii treatment in a two-by-two factorial design; we excluded data from the group that received both interventions. We conducted fixed-effect meta-analysis and assessed the certainty of the evidence using the GRADE approach.
MAIN RESULTS
Seven trials met the inclusion criteria; all were from sub-Saharan Africa and included 1959 participants, with 1051/1959 (54%) HIV-positive. All trials evaluated corticosteroids and one each evaluated colchicine, M. indicus pranii immunotherapy, and open surgical drainage. Four trials (1841 participants) were at low risk of bias, and three trials (118 participants) were at high risk of bias.In people who are not infected with HIV, corticosteroids may reduce deaths from all causes (risk ratio (RR) 0.80, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.59 to 1.09; 660 participants, 4 trials, low certainty evidence) and the need for repeat pericardiocentesis (RR 0.85, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.04; 492 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence). Corticosteroids probably reduce deaths from pericarditis (RR 0.39, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.80; 660 participants, 4 trials, moderate certainty evidence). However, we do not know whether or not corticosteroids have an effect on constriction or cancer among HIV-negative people (very low certainty evidence).In people living with HIV, only 19.9% (203/1959) were on antiretroviral drugs. Corticosteroids may reduce constriction (RR 0.55, 0.26 to 1.16; 575 participants, 3 trials, low certainty evidence). It is uncertain whether corticosteroids have an effect on all-cause death or cancer (very low certainty evidence); and may have little or no effect on repeat pericardiocentesis (RR 1.02, 0.89 to 1.18; 517 participants, 2 trials, low certainty evidence).For colchicine among people living with HIV, we found one small trial (33 participants) which had insufficient data to make any conclusions about any effects on death or constrictive pericarditis.Irrespective of HIV status, due to very low certainty evidence from one trial, it is uncertain whether adding M. indicus pranii immunotherapy to antituberculous drugs has an effect on any outcome.Open surgical drainage for effusion may reduce repeat pericardiocentesis In HIV-negative people (RR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.76; 122 participants, 1 trial, low certainty evidence) but may make little or no difference to other outcomes. We did not find an eligible trial that assessed the effects of open surgical drainage in people living with HIV.The review authors found no eligible trials that examined the length of antituberculous treatment needed nor the effects of other adjunctive treatments for tuberculous pericarditis.
AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS
For HIV-negative patients, corticosteroids may reduce death. For HIV-positive patients not on antiretroviral drugs, corticosteroids may reduce constriction. For HIV-positive patients with good antiretroviral drug viral suppression, clinicians may consider the results from HIV-negative patients more relevant.Further research may help evaluate percutaneous drainage of the pericardium under local anaesthesia, the timing of pericardiectomy in tuberculous constrictive pericarditis, and new antibiotic regimens.
Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Antitubercular Agents; Cause of Death; Colchicine; Drainage; HIV Seronegativity; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Immunotherapy; Pericardiectomy; Pericarditis, Tuberculous; Pericardium; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic
PubMed: 28902412
DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD000526.pub2 -
Multimedia Manual of Cardiothoracic... Oct 2021Pericarditis is the most common form of pericardial disease. Its exact incidence remains unknown, probably because many cases resolve without diagnosis. Indications for...
Pericarditis is the most common form of pericardial disease. Its exact incidence remains unknown, probably because many cases resolve without diagnosis. Indications for pericardiectomy from the standpoint of the cardiac surgeon are based mainly on the physiopathology of 2 different entities that can overlap: inflammatory or relapsing pericarditis and constrictive pericarditis. Surgical indications are not always straightforward. Patients with inflammatory or relapsing pericarditis may undergo radical pericardiectomy because they experience severe symptoms despite maximal medical treatment or have sequelae from the medical treatment. Pericardiectomy is the standard treatment in patients with chronic constrictive pericarditis and persistent symptoms who are in New York Heart Association functional class III or IV and a class I recommendation in the European Society of Cardiology/European Association of Cardio-Vascular Surgery guidelines. The goal of surgery is always complete removal of any site of inflammation through a radical pericardiectomy.
Topics: Humans; Pericardiectomy; Pericarditis, Constrictive
PubMed: 34817937
DOI: 10.1510/mmcts.2021.069 -
Brazilian Journal of Cardiovascular... May 2023The mainstay of the treatment of constrictive pericarditis is pericardiectomy. However, surgery is associated with high early morbidity and mortality and low long-term...
INTRODUCTION
The mainstay of the treatment of constrictive pericarditis is pericardiectomy. However, surgery is associated with high early morbidity and mortality and low long-term survival. The aim of this study is to describe our series of pericardiectomies performed over 30 years.
METHODS
A descriptive, observational, and retrospective analysis of all pericardiectomies performed at the Institute of Cardiology and Cardiovascular Surgery of the Favaloro Foundation was performed.
RESULTS
A total of 45 patients underwent pericardiectomy between June 1992 and June 2022, mean age was 52 years (standard deviation ± 13.9 years), and 73.3% were men. Idiopathic constrictive pericarditis was the most prevalent (46.6%). The variables significantly associated with prolonged hospitalization were preoperative advanced functional class (incidence of 38.4%, P<0.04), persistent pleural effusion (incidence of 81.8%, P<0.01), and although there was no statistical significance with the use of cardiopulmonary bypass, a trend in this association is evident (P<0.07). We found that 100% of the patients with an onset of symptoms greater than six months had a prolonged hospital stay. In-hospital mortality was 6.6%, and 30-day mortality was 8.8%. The preserved functional class is 17 times more likely to improve their symptomatology after pericardiectomy (odds ratio 17, 95% confidence interval 2.66-71; P<0.05).
CONCLUSION
Advanced functional class at the time of pericardiectomy is the variable most strongly associated with mortality and prolonged hospitalization. Onset of the symptoms greater than six months is also a poor prognostic factor mainly associated with prolonged hospitalization; based on these data, we strongly support the recommendation of early intervention.
Topics: Male; Humans; Middle Aged; Female; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Retrospective Studies; Pericardiectomy; Morbidity; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome
PubMed: 36692052
DOI: 10.21470/1678-9741-2022-0302 -
The Journal of the American Osteopathic... Apr 1996A patient with a 5-month history of pericardial effusion and unsuccessful steroid treatment was found at pericardial exploration to have thickened pericardium adhered to... (Review)
Review
A patient with a 5-month history of pericardial effusion and unsuccessful steroid treatment was found at pericardial exploration to have thickened pericardium adhered to the heart. After anterior pericardiectomy, histologic examination revealed severe granulomatous pericarditis resulting from infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite the pericardiectomy and antituberculous therapy, the patient continued to have symptoms, including bilateral pleural effusions, 4 days after discharge from the hospital. After a second exploration (after echocardiography revealed decreased left ventricular function and hemodynamic findings showed persistent constriction), anterior and posterior cardiectomy was deemed necessary. Pleural effusion did not recur, and the patient was discharged with antituberculous drug therapy. This rare extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis can have an insidious or sudden onset, and diagnosis is complicated by false-negative tuberculin tests, nonspecific radiographic and echocardiographic findings, and time-consuming bacteriologic culture. Previous high mortality with the disease has been decreased to approximately 40% by the advent of antituberculous drug therapy. The still significant mortality reflects the difficulty in early diagnosis and the serious effects of pericardial effusion and constriction.
Topics: Age Distribution; Antitubercular Agents; Combined Modality Therapy; Humans; Incidence; Male; Middle Aged; Pericardiectomy; Pericarditis, Tuberculous; Sex Distribution; Steroids; United States
PubMed: 8935432
DOI: 10.7556/jaoa.1996.96.4.253 -
Journal of the American Veterinary... Dec 2022To document outcomes of thoracoscopic treatment of idiopathic chylothorax (IC) in dogs with and without constrictive pericardial physiology (CPP) and evaluate patterns...
OBJECTIVE
To document outcomes of thoracoscopic treatment of idiopathic chylothorax (IC) in dogs with and without constrictive pericardial physiology (CPP) and evaluate patterns of chyle flow redistribution after thoracic duct ligation (TDL).
ANIMALS
26 client-owned dogs.
PROCEDURES
In this prospective cohort study, echocardiography and cardiac catheterization were performed to document CPP in dogs with IC. Thoracoscopic TDL with pericardiectomy was performed if CPP was present (TDL/P group). Dogs without evidence of CPP underwent thoracoscopic TDL alone (TDL group). Dogs underwent preoperative, immediate postoperative, and 3-month postoperative CT lymphangiography studies when possible. Perioperative morbidity, resolution and late recurrence rates, and long-term outcome were recorded.
RESULTS
17 dogs underwent TDL, and 9 underwent TDL/P. Twenty-five of 26 (96%) survived the perioperative period. One dog died from ventricular fibrillation during pericardiectomy. Resolution rates for TDL and TDL/P were 94% and 88%, respectively (P = .55), with 1 late recurrence occurring in the TDL group in a median follow-up of 25 months (range, 4 to 60 months). On 3-month postoperative CT lymphangiography studies, ongoing chyle flow past the ligation site was demonstrated in 5 of 17 dogs, of which 1 dog developed recurrence at 13 months postoperatively. In 15 of 17 dogs, chylous redistribution after TDL was principally by retrograde flow to the lumbar lymphatic plexus.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In dogs without evidence of CPP, TDL alone was associated with a very good prognosis for treatment of IC. In the absence of CPP, the additional benefit of pericardiectomy in the treatment of IC is questionable.
Topics: Dogs; Animals; Chylothorax; Pericardiectomy; Thoracic Duct; Prospective Studies; Chyle; Treatment Outcome; Retrospective Studies; Ligation; Dog Diseases
PubMed: 36563067
DOI: 10.2460/javma.22.08.0381 -
Journal of Cardiovascular and Thoracic... 2021Tuberculous pericarditis continues to be a leading cause of chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP) in developing countries. Echocardiography plays a key role in the...
Tuberculous pericarditis continues to be a leading cause of chronic constrictive pericarditis (CCP) in developing countries. Echocardiography plays a key role in the assessment and diagnosis. Twelve patients who underwent pericardiectomy for CCP in last 18 months of the study period were subjected to clinical and New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class assessment along with comprehensive echocardiographic evaluation. The data were compared with their preprocedural status. Significant reduction was noted in the incidence of inferior vena cava (IVC) congestion( < 0.001) and mean left atrial (LA) size from 43.75 ± 4.43 mm to 31.58 ± 3.03 mm ( < 0.001), post pericardiectomy.Respiratory variation of 34.17 ± 8.76 % in the mitral E velocity was significantly reduced to 17 ± 3.69 % ( < 0.001) after surgery. Similarly, respiratory variation in tricuspid E velocities showed significant reduction from 62.17 ± 13.16 % to 32.58 ± 4.7 % ( < 0.001).Prior to pericardiectomy, medial e' and lateral e' mitral annular velocities was 15.5±1.24 cm/sec and13.08 ± 1.08 cm/sec, respectively. Following surgery, the medial e' and lateral e' was 12.5±1.17 cm/sec( = 0.001) and 15.42±1.83 ( = 0.004), respectively. Echocardiography provides useful insight in pericardial constriction hemodynamics and worthwhile effects of pericardiectomy.
PubMed: 34326972
DOI: 10.34172/jcvtr.2021.23