What is the primary treatment for constrictive pericarditis?

The primary treatment for constrictive pericarditis is pericardiectomy, which involves surgical removal of the thickened pericardium. Constrictive pericarditis occurs when the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart, becomes stiff or thickened, restricting the heart's ability to fill properly and ultimately affecting its function.

The indication for pericardiectomy is especially prominent when symptoms are significant and there is evidence of heart failure. This surgical intervention can relieve the restriction on the heart, leading to an improvement in hemodynamics and overall cardiac function.

Other treatments, such as antibiotics, beta-blockers, or statins, do not address the underlying mechanical problem of constrictive pericarditis. Antibiotics may be appropriate if the condition is caused by an infectious process, but they do not remedy the constrictive nature of the pericardium. Beta-blockers and statins are more relevant to managing other cardiovascular conditions and do not provide the necessary resolution of the constriction affecting the heart's function.