Consequences And Complications Of Pericarditis

Pericarditis, if left untreated or recurrent, can lead to several serious health complications. Among these, the most severe is constrictive pericarditis, a condition where the pericardium becomes thickened and stiff due to chronic inflammation and scarring.

Development Of Constrictive Pericarditis

Recurrent episodes of pericarditis can cause the pericardial tissue to undergo fibrosis and calcification. Over time, this hardening of the pericardium restricts the heart's ability to expand properly during filling, impairing normal cardiac function. This condition is particularly challenging to treat and often requires surgical intervention.

Symptoms Related To Fluid Accumulation

In some cases, acute pericarditis can result in significant pericardial effusion — a buildup of excess fluid around the heart. This may lead to symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the lower extremities. Additionally, fluid may accumulate in the abdominal cavity (ascites) or the pleural space (pleural effusion), further complicating the clinical picture.

Impact On Circulatory Function

As constrictive pericarditis progresses, it interferes with normal venous return to the heart. This disruption can cause systemic congestion, manifesting as peripheral edema, ascites, and even cardiac cirrhosis of the liver due to chronic venous pressure elevation.

Treatment And Management Options

One of the primary causes of constrictive pericarditis is tuberculosis, making early diagnosis and treatment of infectious pericarditis crucial. Once constrictive changes occur, medical management alone is often insufficient. Pericardiectomy, or surgical removal of the affected pericardium, is typically recommended to relieve symptoms and improve long-term outcomes.

Importance Of Early Intervention

Timely identification and treatment of pericarditis can help prevent the development of irreversible complications. Patients experiencing persistent symptoms such as unexplained swelling, difficulty breathing, or signs of fluid retention should seek medical evaluation promptly.