Constrictive Pericarditis Flashcards
1
Q
def
A
chronic inflammation of the pericardium leading to thickening + scarring which limits heart functioning
2
Q
aetiology
A
1 idiopathic
2 heart surgery
3 radiation therapy to the chest (lung cancer)
4 TB
3
Q
epi
A
10% of patients with acute pericarditis will develop constrictive pericarditis
males>females
20-60yrs
4
Q
history
A
1 dyspnoea
2 ankle oedema
3 abdominal distension due to ascites + hepatomegaly
5
Q
why should you ask about absestos exposure
A
asbestos exposure can cause mesothelioma which is a rare cause of constrictive pericarditis
6
Q
examination
A
1 kussmauls sign 2 weak heart sounds 3 hepatomegaly 4 ascites 5 peripheral oedema
7
Q
what is kussmauls sign
A
raised JVP on inspiration
due to limited RV filling
8
Q
investigations
A
1 ECG -low-voltage QRS -T wave inversion -AF in chronic CP 2 CXR -normal cardiac size with venous distension/HF is suggestive of CP or restrictive cardiomyopathy -pericardial calcification is diagnostic 3 echo/CT/MRI -pericardial thickening
