A failing right heart in an eggshell: A case report of idiopathic constrictive pericarditis.

Key Clinical Message: Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare fibrotic conversion of the pericardium that results in non-specific clinical symptoms such as hepatomegaly, ascites, pleural effusions, and lower extremity edema. A multi-modal diagnostic approach with cardiac imaging tools, cardiac hemodynamic measurements, and tissue biopsy can be used to diagnose Constrictive Pericarditis.
Abstract: Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare complication resulting in the fibrotic conversion of the pericardium secondary to idiopathic, infective, post-surgical, or post-radiation etiologies. The rigid and restrictive nature of the pericardium can result in non-specific symptoms of volume overload that can mimic liver cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. We present the case of a 73-year-old female with constrictive pericarditis who presented with vague symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and bilateral lower extremity edema. This case report highlights the clinical manifestation, invasive, and non-invasive diagnostic work-up, and management of constrictive pericarditis.
Competing Interests: The author(s) declare(s) that there is no conflict of interest regarding the publication of this paper and the authors have no relevant disclosure.
(© 2024 The Author(s). Clinical Case Reports published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.)