A case of transient idiopathic constrictive pericarditis is presented. Following steroid treatment there was resolution of the pericardial effusion, resolution of constriction and disappearance of the fibrin layer. The patient was followed-up for one year without any need for further treatment. Transient pericardial constriction is a rare outcome of acute pericarditis and should be promptly diagnosed before any consideration for pericardectomy.
Copyright (c) 2010 Australasian Society of Cardiac and Thoracic Surgeons and the Cardiac Society of Australia and New Zealand. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.