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We provide our users the most up-to-date and accurate information on the treatment and prevention of cardio pathologies in accordance with current American and European clinical guidelines.
The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a licensed physician for diagnosis and treatment.
Surgery for Pericarditis
Introduction
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. Most cases are treated with medications, but in severe or recurrent cases, surgical intervention may be necessary.
Indications for Surgery
Surgery is considered when: - Recurrent pericarditis: Cases that do not respond to long-term medical therapy. - Constrictive pericarditis: When the pericardium becomes thick and rigid, restricting heart function. - Cardiac tamponade: A life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates rapidly around the heart. - Purulent (infectious) pericarditis: Bacterial infections may require surgical drainage.
Types of Surgical Intervention
- Pericardiocentesis
- A minimally invasive procedure to drain excess fluid from the pericardial sac using a needle or catheter.
- Used in cases of cardiac tamponade.
- Pericardiectomy
- Surgical removal of part or all of the pericardium.
- Indicated for constrictive pericarditis or severe recurrent pericarditis.
- Pericardial Window
- A small portion of the pericardium is removed to allow continuous drainage.
- Used mainly to prevent recurrent effusions.
Risks and Prognosis
While surgery is generally safe, risks include: - Infection - Bleeding - Arrhythmias - Damage to surrounding cardiac structures The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the patient's overall health. Pericardiectomy has good long-term results, especially in constrictive pericarditis.
Conclusion
Surgical intervention is reserved for severe or refractory pericarditis. Proper diagnosis and early intervention improve outcomes significantly.
Source recommendations
1. 2022 ESC Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Pericardial Diseases
- https://www.escardio.org/Guidelines/Clinical-Practice-Guidelines/Pericardial-Diseases-Guidelines-on-the-Diagnosis-and-Management-of
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26320112/
- https://www.escardio.org/Councils/Council-for-Cardiology-Practice-(CCP)/Cardiopractice/tip-and-tricks-for-acute-pericarditis
- https://academic.oup.com/eurheartj/pages/esc_guidelines
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/Articles/2022/12/19/14/52/The-Paradigm-Shift-in-the-Management-of-Recurrent-Pericarditis
2. AHA/ACC Guidelines for the Management of Pericardial Diseases
- https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/circulationaha.105.561514
- https://www.jacc.org/doi/10.1016/j.jacc.2019.11.021
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1936878X24001608
- https://www.acc.org/Latest-in-Cardiology/ten-points-to-remember/2020/01/07/10/59/Management-of-Acute-and-Recurrent-Pericarditis
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33332149/
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If you or your loved ones experience any of these symptoms, you should consult a doctor in time. Remember that self-medication can be dangerous, and timely diagnosis will preserve the quality and life expectancy.
The heart is an organ that does not know how to "keep silent" if something goes wrong. Chest pain, shortness of breath, swelling, dizziness, and rhythm disturbances are the symptoms that require our attention. The best prevention of heart disease is careful attention to your health, regular checkups with a doctor, and a healthy lifestyle. Take care of your heart, and it will serve you for many years!
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