Hemodynamic studies following pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.

PERICARDIECTOMY for constrictive pericarditis was first successfully performed just over 50 years ago' and has subsequently become the accepted definitive method of treatment. Postoperative clinical evaluations during this time have indicated good to excellent results in the majority of patients.2 8 Despite the wide use of cardiac catheterization in the preoperative evaluation of patients with constrictive pericarditis, there have been only scattered reports of postoperative hemodynamic studies.9 20 Moreover, the data obtained and conclusions reached have varied considerably, from the demonstration of normal findings9 10 to the conclusion that restitution of completely normal cardiac function seldom occurs.1" 21 The postoperative evaluation of these patients has been complicated by disparate opinions regarding the proper incision to provide optimal surgical exposure and the extent of decortication necessary to decompress the heart adequately.2 8-14 22 27 The purpose of this report is to present the hemodynamic findings and clinical results in 14 patients following pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis.