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Abstract
A review of the pathologic physiology, the diagnosis and surgical treatment of constrictive
pericarditis, and a report of two cases treated surgically is presented.
In concluding this discussion of chronic constrictive pericarditis, we wish to emphasize
the cardinal findings in this disease. The heart is normal in size, or only moderately
enlarged; it is in a fixed position; little or no evidence of pulsation can be elicited
by physical or fluoroscopic examination; the peripheral veins are prominent, particularly
the external jugulars; the venous pressure is high and the systolic blood pressure
and pulse pressure are low. The liver is enlarged and generally associated with abdominal
ascites; there may be fluid in the pleural spaces, and edema of the lower extremities.
The signs of passive congestion of the lungs are conspicuous by their absence.
It has not been our purpose in writing this article to attempt to present anything
new, for this has not been done. Rather it has been our aim, as stated in the beginning,
to help stimulate interest in this subject in faraway places where such conditions
do exist and where such individuals cannot avail themselves of the diagnostic and
surgical skill of the large medical centers.
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References
- Surgical Treatment of Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis.Surg., Gynec. & Obst. 1939; 68: 979
- Chronic Pericardial Disease; Report of 28 Cases of Constrictive Pericarditis.Surg. Gynec. & Obst. 1941; 73: 433
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- Chronic Adhesive Pericarditis in Children and Its Surgical Treatment.Arch. Pediat. 1934; 51: 219
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- Electrocardiographic Changes Associated With Pericarditis.Arch. Int. Med. 1940; 65: 291
- Pericardiectomy for Chronic Constrictive Pericarditis.Surg. Gynec. & Obst. 1941; 72: 1008
- Concretio cordis; cardiolysis for concretio cordis.Arch. Surg. 1932; 24: 574
Article info
Publication history
Received:
August 13,
1943
Identification
Copyright
© 1943 Published by Elsevier Inc.
