It is a leading cause of heart failure-Contrictive Pericarditis

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Constrictive pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. When pericardium loses its elasticity it becomes rigid. It is very rare in adults, and less common in children. However, it is most common in men between the ages of 20 and 50. It is a leading cause of heart failure. It could be acute or chronic.

Symptoms

Breathing difficulty that develops slowly and becomes worse,fatigue Swollen abdomen Chronic, severe swelling in the legs and ankles, weakness,low grade fever, chest pain

Causes

Heart surgery
Radiation therapy to the chest Tuberculosis
Viral infection
Bacterial infection
Mesothelioma

Risk Factors

Untreated acute pericarditis can become chronic Systemic lupus Rheumatoid arthritis Trauma or Injury to the Heart Side effects of some medications Gender and Age

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and perform a physical examination. The following signs are common:
Sticking of the neck veins owing to increased blood pressure Weak or distant heart sounds
Liver swelling
Fluid in the belly area

Here are some of the tests to diagnose the condition:
Imaging Tests: chest MRIs, CT scans, and X-rays produce detailed images of the heart and the pericardium. A CT scan and MRI can detect thickening in the pericardium and blood clots.

Cardiac Catheterization: the doctor inserts a thin tube into your heart through your groin or arm. The tube collects blood samples, removes tissue for biopsy, and takes measurements from inside your heart.

Electrocardiogram: it measures the heart’s electrical impulses. Irregularities may suggest you have constrictive pericarditis or another heart condition.
Echocardiogram: it makes a picture of the heart using sound waves. It can detect fluid or thickening in the pericardium.

Treatment

Take water pills to remove excess fluids Use of analgesics to control pain, Reduce your level of activity
Reduce salt intake
Take colchicine
Use corticosteroids