A failing right heart in an eggshell: A case report of idiopathic constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive Pericarditis is a rare complication resulting in the fibrotic conversion of the pericardium secondary to idiopathic, infective, post-surgical, or post-radiation etiologies. The rigid and restrictive nature of the pericardium can result in non-specific symptoms of volume overload that can mimic liver cirrhosis or congestive heart failure. We present the case of a 73-year-old female with constrictive pericarditis who presented with vague symptoms of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, and bilateral lower extremity edema. This case report highlights the clinical manifestation, invasive, and non-invasive diagnostic work-up, and management of constrictive pericarditis.