Clinical meaning
Constrictive Pericarditis involves specific alterations in constrictive pericarditis physiology. The pathophysiology of Constrictive Pericarditis encompasses changes in myocardial contractility, cardiac conduction, vascular resistance, endothelial function, or structural integrity depending on the primary mechanism involved. Key cellular processes include ion channel dysfunction, inflammatory mediator activation, oxidative stress, fibrotic remodeling, and neurohormonal dysregulation that drive the clinical manifestations of constrictive pericarditis.
Diagnosis & workup
Diagnostics & workup: - Cardiac MRI for tissue characterization (edema, fibrosis, infiltration) - HbA1c for glycemic control assessment in diabetic patients - Thyroid function tests (hyperthyroidism causes high-output states) - Ambulatory blood pressure monitoring for white coat vs masked HTN - CBC with differential (anemia worsens cardiac ischemia) - CRP and ESR for inflammatory/infectious cardiac conditions - 12-lead ECG: assess rhythm, intervals, ST-T changes, axis deviation