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.