A Contemporary Approach to the Diagnosis and Management of Constrictive Pericarditis

Pericarditis is the most common pericardial disease worldwide. Proper anti-inflammatory treatment can ensure a favourable long-term prognosis and low mortality. However, significant morbidity can still be attributed to its complications, including recurrent disease and progression to constrictive pericarditis (CP). CP occurs due to chronic pericardial inflammation, leading to pericardial scarring that impairs ventricular filling, and thereby, to heart failure (HF).(1) A high index of suspicion is critical for diagnosing CP. Because some forms of CP are potentially reversible in the early stages, early diagnosis is essential.(2)This review aims to equip clinical cardiologists with a practical approach to diagnosing and treating CP.