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Features of constrictive pericarditis




Features of constrictive pericarditis

Etiology 
  • Idiopathic or viral pericarditis
  • Cardiac surgery or radiation therapy
  • Tuberculous pericarditis (in endemic areas)


Clinical presentation

  • Fatigue and dyspnea on exertion
  • Peripheral edema and ascites
  • Increased JVP
  • Pericardial knock may be heard
  • Pulsus paradoxus
  • Kussmaul's sign


Diagnostic findings
  • ECG may be nonspecific or show atrial fibrillation or low voltage QRS complex
  • Imaging shows pericardial thickening and calcification
  • Jugular venous pulse tracing shows prominent x and y decents.

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