This tends to be chronic and is often due to tuberculosis. The pericardium becomes thick and inelastic leading to poor filling of the heart.
Clinical Features
- Cough and dyspnoea
- Small volume pulse
- Ascites
- Hepatomegaly
- Raised JVP.
Investigations
- Chest x-ray – Heart size normal or small. There may be calcification in the
pericardium. - Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiogram
Management
- Surgical removal of pericardium.
- Treatment of TB if it is the cause.