Constrictive Pericarditis
The sac of fibrous tissues that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. Constrictive pericarditis results from scarring of this lining. The scar encases the heart and may limit its ability to pump blood.
What is going on in the body?
The pericardium is a thin sac that covers the heart. As it heals from an infection or injury, a scar may form. The pericardium becomes rigid due to the scarring. This may restrict the filling of the heart with blood and cause other health problems.
What are the causes and risks of the condition?
While the cause of this condition is often not known, the scarring may be due to:
infections, such as tuberculosis
tumors or cancer
injury
open heart surgery
radiation therapy
autoimmune disease, which causes a person's immune system to attack his or her own body
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