Exacerbation Of Severe Constrictive Pericarditis After Prior Inadequate Pericardiectomy

Pericardiectomy is commonly used to treat constrictive pericarditis (CP); however, persistent calcification can complicate recovery. An 82-year-old man presented with CP following an inadequate pericardiectomy at another hospital two years earlier. He was referred to our hospital with a diagnosis of recurrent CP. Pre-operative computed tomography revealed that the pericardium was not calcified on the anterior of the heart, while the inferior, posterior and lateral surfaces exhibited calcification. Notably, calcification along the inferior portion of the heart formed a calcium envelope structure. Pericardiectomy via re-sternotomy without cardiopulmonary bypass was performed. While dissecting the calcium envelope, a paste-like substance was exuded. Cardiac function improved after pericardiectomy, although the postoperative recovery from heart failure was prolonged. Calcified pericardium should be removed to the extent possible to enhance the efficacy of pericardiectomy, which contributes to improved early surgical results and prevents CP recurrence.