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Prognosis of Pericarditis



The prognosis for people with pericarditis can range from the inconsequential to the life-threatening. It will also be dependent upon the underlying cause and any complications that may occur like poor heart function or fluid buildup in the pericardium.

Usually, prompt treatment results in a good outcome, with most people recovering within a three month period. The pericarditis however, may recur at a future date.

Some of the complications may include:

  • Cardiac Tamponade: This is a condition caused by excessive fluid buildup in the pericardium. The excess fluid exerts a greater pressure on the heart, preventing it from filling properly with blood. As a result, less blood is pumped out from the heart causing a drop in blood pressure which can be extremely dangerous. Left untreated, cardiac tamponade can prove fatal.
  • Constrictive Pericarditis: This condition is caused by permanent thickening and scarring of the pericardium leading to its contraction. It is usually caused by long term inflammation associated with chronic pericarditis cases. In such cases, the pericardium loses a large proportion of its elasticity and forms a rigid constrictive sheath around the heart, interfering with its normal functioning. Constrictive pericarditis often leads to swelling in the legs and abdomen and to shortness of breath.
An early diagnosis and treatment can lower the risk of these complications setting in. 
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References
  1. Brent E. Mabey, Ron M. Walls, Acute pericarditis, The Journal of Emergency Medicine, Volume 3, Issue 6, 1985, Pages 457-467, ISSN 0736-4679, 10.1016/0736-4679(85)90005-8.
  2. Susy S. Hota, ChiMing Chow, Daniel Bonneau, Robert J. Chisholm, Surgical treatment for incessant pericarditis, Canadian Journal of Cardiology, Volume 25, Issue 3, March 2009, Pages 161-162, ISSN 0828-282X, 10.1016/S0828-282X(09)70048-0.