| |
Constrictive pericarditis picture
Constrictive pericarditis is a disorder caused by inflammation
of the pericardium (the sac-like covering of the heart) with subsequent thickening,
scarring, and contracture of the pericardium.
|
Causes of Constrictive pericarditis
The most common causes of constrictive pericarditis are conditions that induce chronic
inflammation of the pericardium: tuberculosis, radiation therapy to the chest, and cardiac
surgery.
Symptoms of chronic constrictive pericarditis
- Difficulty breathing (dyspnea) that develops slowly and gets worse
- Fatigue , excessive tiredness
- Long-term swelling (edema) of the legs and ankles
- Swollen abdomen
- Weakness
| | |