Constrictive pericarditis is a medical condition characterized by a thickened, fibrotic pericardium, limiting the hearts ability to function normally. In many cases, the condition continues to be difficult to diagnose and therefore benefits from a good understanding of the underlying cause. Signs and symptoms
Signs and symptoms of constrictive pericarditis are consistent with the following: fatigue, swollen abdomen, difficulty breathing (dyspnea), swelling of legs and general weakness. Related conditions are bacterial pericarditis, pericarditis and pericarditis after a heart attack. Causes
The cause of constrictive pericarditis in the developing world are idiopathic in origin, though likely infectious in nature. In regions where tuberculosis is common, it is the cause in a large portion of cases. Causes of constrictive pericarditis include:

Tuberculosis
Incomplete drainage of purulent pericarditis
Fungal and parasitic infections
Chronic pericarditis
Postviral pericarditis
Postsurgical
Following MI, post-myocardial infarction
In association with pulmonary asbestos

Pathophysiology
The pathophysiological characteristics of constrictive pericarditis are due to a thickened, fibrotic pericardium that forms a non-compliant shell around the heart. This shell prevents the heart from expanding when blood enters it. This results in significant respiratory variation in blood flow in the chambers of the heart.During inspiration, pressure in the thoracic cavity decreases but is not relayed to the left atrium, subsequently a reduction in flow to the left atrium and ventricle happens.
This procedure has significant risk involved, with mortality rates of 6% or higher in major referral centers.A poor outcome is almost always the result after a pericardiectomy is performed for constrictive pericarditis whose origin was radiation-induced, further some patients may develop heart failure post-operatively. References
Further reading
Hoit, B. D. (25 June 2002). "Management of Effusive and Constrictive Pericardial Heart Disease". Circulation. 105 (25): 2939–2942. doi:10.1161/01.CIR.0000019421.07529.C5. PMID 12081983. Retrieved 21 September 2015. == External links ==