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.
Epidemiology
Torsion is most frequent among adolescents with about 65% of cases presenting between 12 and 18 years of age. It is the most common cause of rapid onset testicular pain and swelling in people under 18 years old. It occurs in about 1 in 4,000 to 1 per 25,000 males per year before 25 years of age; but it can occur at any age, including infancy. : 149

See also
Ovarian torsion – equivalent condition in females. Epididymitis – can cause testicular pain and present similarly to testicular torsion. References


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