Localized pericardial constriction resulting in a "dumbbell" heart.

Hamdulay, Zainul A; Kumar, Pawan; Ali, Mohammed; Bhojraj, Shilpa S; Jain, Sanjesh B; Patwardhan, Anil M · Ann Thorac Surg · 2007

case_report · Level V

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Abstract

We describe an unusual case of a young man presenting with calcific constrictive pericarditis. The patient had a history of restrictive cardiomyopathy and pericardial effusion during infancy and received antituberculous treatment. Investigations revealed the presence of thickened pericardium and a thickened calcific constrictive band around the atrioventricular groove posteriorly and over the infundibulum anteriorly. Intraoperatively, the band caused the heart to have a "dumbbell" appearance. A pericardiectomy was performed along with excision of the constricting band. The patient had an uneventful recovery.

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