A case report of constrictive pericarditis: a forgotten cause of refractory ascites

Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis is well known but rare and commonly forgotten cause of ascites. Early diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is difficult due to absence of typical cardiopulmonary signs and multiple vague symptoms and its insidious course. In this case report, we present, a 61-year-old male referred for liver transplantation vs transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt work-up for presumptive diagnosis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis cirrhosis and refractory ascites. Comprehensive work-up before liver transplantation including liver biopsy, liver ultrasound, and Doppler, magnetic resonance imaging was not consistent with liver cirrhosis. Echocardiographic was suggestive of constrictive pericarditis, further work-up with right heart catheterization, cardiovascular magnetic resonance and multidetector cardiac computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. Patient underwent surgical pericardiectomy, he reminded stable after surgery and did not require further paracentesis and discharged in stable condition.

Keywords

• Constrictive pericarditis
• Unexplained ascites
• Liver cirrhosis
• Echocardiographic hemodynamic
• Ventricular interdependence
• Case report