CONSTRICTIVE PERICARDITIS

Condition in which a rigid pericardium impairs cardiac filling, causing elevation of systemic and pulmonary venous pressures and decreased cardiac output. Results from healing and scar formation in some pts with previous pericarditis. Viral, tuberculosis (mostly in developing nations), previous cardiac surgery, collagen vascular disorders, uremia, neoplastic, and radiation-associated pericarditis are potential causes.

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