Constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is a form of pericarditis characterised by the loss of pericardial elasticity leading to decreased ventricular filling. This occurs due to formation of granulation tissue in the pericardium. It's a rare complication of acute pericarditis.

The result is diastolic heart failure due to thickened, rigid, fibrous pericardium following acute pericarditis. Jugular vein distention which worsens on inspiration (Kussmaul sign), pericardial knock, and pulsus paradoxus are typical findings.