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Constrictive pericarditis with extensive calcification

A patient with signs and symptoms of right heart failure of unknown etiology was referred to a referral hospital in the eastern area of the city of São Paulo with a diagnosis of calcified constrictive pericarditis and was treated by surgery. This pathology is characterized by an irreversible process of pericardium calcification, and surgery is the only alternative to control the symptoms and improve patients' quality of life. This case drew special attention due to the extensive calcification involving the interventricular septum. The unusual aspect of the images has made the diagnosis difficult and raised doubts about the existence of an associated disease.

Pericardium; pericarditis; constrictive; calcification; physiologic


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