Constrictive Pericarditis and Restrictive Cardiomyopathy

Specific data on constrictive pericarditis or restrictive cardiomyopathy in adults with congenital heart disease are scarce. The clinical presentation of constrictive pericarditis is similar to that of restrictive cardiomyopathy and does consist predominantly of signs of systemic venous congestion and low cardiac output. The distinction between these two diagnoses is difficult but important because constrictive pericarditis is treatable, whereas restrictive cardiomyopathy is likely not, though there are some exceptions. This chapter emphasises the pathophysiology and the diagnostic modalities that can be used to differentiate between these two conditions.