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You are here : AllRefer.com > Health > Diseases & Conditions > Pericarditis - constrictive

Pericarditis - constrictive

Alternate Names : Constrictive pericarditis

Definition

Constrictive pericarditis is long-term (chronic) inflammation of the sac-like covering of the heart (the pericardium) with thickening, scarring, and muscle tightening (contracture).

See also:

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors

Constrictive pericarditis is most commonly caused by conditions or events that cause inflammation to develop around the heart, including:

Less common causes include:

Constrictive pericarditis may also develop without apparent cause.

The inflammation causes the covering of the heart to become thick and rigid, making it hard for the heart to stretch properly when it beats. As a result, the heart chambers don't fill up with enough blood. Blood backs up behind the heart, causing heart swelling and other symptoms of heart failure.

The condition is relatively rare in children.

Pictures & Images

Pericardium
Pericardium

Constrictive pericarditis
Constrictive pericarditis

Pericardium
Pericardium

   
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Review Date : 5/12/2008
Reviewed By : Larry A. Weinrauch, MD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, and Private practice specializing in Cardiovascular Disease, Watertown, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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