Transient constrictive pericarditis after coronary bypass surgery

Korean J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg. 2011 Feb;44(1):64-7. doi: 10.5090/kjtcs.2011.44.1.64. Epub 2011 Feb 12.

Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare complication after coronary artery bypass grafting In most cases pericardiectomy is required as a definitive treatment. However, there are several types of constrictive pericarditis such as transient cardiac constriction. Some types of constrictive pericarditis can only be managed with medical therapy. We report a 72-year-old female patient who developed subacute transient constrictive pericarditis with persistent left pleural effusion as a result of postcardiac injury syndrome. The patient went through coronary bypass surgery that was successfully treated with postoperative steroid therapy.

Keywords: Coronary artery bypass; Pericardium; Pleural effusion.

Publication types

  • Case Reports