title: The constricted heart.
abstract: Often indistinguishable from restrictive cardiomyopathy and hepatic cirrohis, clinical acumen is essential in the recognition and diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. A thorough medical history should rule out infectious disease exposure. A physical examination may include variable signs such as Kussmaul's sign, pulsus paradoxus, and pericardial knock, while jugular venous distention is of cardinal significance in eliminating liver cirrhosis as the cause of ascites. A complete physical examination, appropriate imaging studies, and cardiac catheterizaiton are crucial for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of constrictive pericarditis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, St. Elizabeth Health Center, College of Health and Human Services, Youngstown State University, Youngstown, OH 44501, USA. thomas_marnejon@hmis.org
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Marnejon
authors.forename: Hayah
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kassis
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gemmel
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006321:Heart / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy