Constrictive pericarditis
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Constrictive pericarditis
Constrictive pericarditis is stiffening and thickening of the membrane sac around the heart (pericardium). Repeated or prolonged episodes of inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) can lead to constrictive pericarditis, which restricts the heart's ability to pump effectively.
The most common causes of constrictive pericarditis include radiation therapy, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus), kidney failure, and tuberculosis.
If the pericardium becomes thick and stiff and interferes with the heart's ability to pump blood, it can be removed in a procedure called pericardiectomy. Although the pericardium surrounds and cushions the heart, the heart can function without it, if necessary.
Credits
| Author | Jeannette Curtis |
| Author | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Editor | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA |
| Associate Editor | Tracy Landauer |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Patrice Burgess, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Last Updated | May 25, 2007 |
| Last updated: | May 25, 2007 |
|---|---|
| Author: | Caroline Rea, RN, BS, MS |
| Reviewed By: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Editors: | Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Pat Truman, MATC |
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