10th May 2025

Constrictive Pericarditis

Diuretics can be used to reduce oedema or elevated venous pressure for control of symptoms. Patients  with newly diagnosed constrictive pericarditis who are hemodynamically stable and do not have signs or  symptoms of a chronic constriction (complete obliteration of the pericardial cavity by granulation tissue)  may be treated with anti-inflammatory agents for up to three months with close monitoring. The  definitive management however is a surgical pericardiectomy. There is a significant risk of mortality  associated with this procedure, therefore careful consideration of the co-morbidities of the patient as well  as the severity of the pericarditis must occur before a decision is made.