Constrictive pericarditis prevention

Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Prevention

Constrictive pericarditis in some cases is not preventable.

However, the following conditions that can lead to constrictive pericarditis should be adequately treated.

• All forms of pericarditis
• Bacterial, viral, or surgical infections that cause abnormal buildup in the covering of the heart
• Chronic renal failure
• Connective tissue disorders
• Following pericarditis associated with ST elevation myocardial infarction (Dressler's syndrome)
• Fungal and parasitic infections
• In association with pulmonary asbestosis
• Incomplete drainage of purulent pericarditis
• Mesothelioma
• Neoplastic pericardial infiltration
• Postcardiothoracic surgery (any procedure where the pericardium is opened, damaged, or manipulated)
• Prior mediastinal radiation therapy
• Tuberculosis