[Constrictive pericarditis due to asbestos exposure].
BACKGROUND
Constrictive pericarditis is a rare complication of asbestos exposure and few cases have been reported in the literature.


METHODS
We report two cases of constrictive pericarditis in subjects previously exposed to asbestos. The first case, a 62 years old man, had occupational asbestos exposure whilst working for seven years in an electric plant 23 years before the diagnosis. The second case, a 76 years old man, had worked 21 years as a lagger up until 20 years before. The initial presentation in both cases was of sub-acute right heart failure. Both underwent pericardectomy which revealed pericardial thickening due to collagen fibrosis. Both patients died, one and five years respectively after surgery. Eight other cases of pericardial effusion and/or thickening, some with calcification, have been reported in association with previous asbestos exposure. Most of these cases had coexisting pleural lesions.


CONCLUSIONS
As the prognosis is guarded (three of the eight reported cases died), making an early diagnosis is desirable.
Trosini-Désert
V
V
Service de Pneumologie, Hôpital Guillaume et René Laënnec, CHU de Nantes, France.
Chambellan
A
A
Germaud
P
P
Chailleux
E
E
D000368:Aged; D001194:Asbestos / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002273:Carcinogens / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016273:Occupational Exposure; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D010492:Pericardiectomy; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011379:Prognosis
D002273:Carcinogens; D001194:Asbestos