What signs might indicate constrictive pericarditis?

Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by the thickening and stiffening of the pericardial sac, which surrounds the heart. This condition can restrict the heart's ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to a specific set of symptoms.

The presence of dyspnea, or difficulty breathing, is commonly observed in constrictive pericarditis due to impaired cardiac function and reduced cardiac output. Patients might also experience ascites, which is the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity, stemming from increased pressure in the venous system as the heart struggles to pump effectively. As a consequence, excess fluid can back up into the abdomen, leading to ascites.

Other symptoms associated with constrictive pericarditis may include peripheral edema and signs of right heart failure, but the combination of dyspnea and ascites is particularly indicative of this condition. These symptoms reflect the underlying pathophysiology of decreased cardiac filling and overload of the systemic venous system, making them hallmark signs of constrictive pericarditis.