An Unusual Case of Pericardial Calcification

Abstract

Abstract The pericardium is normally, a rigid, avascular, fibrous sac. Its primary functions are to anchor, lubricate, and prevent overdistention of the cardiac chambers. Normally, the pericardium does not contain any calcium deposits; calcification may be a sign of underlying inflammation. Pericardial calcification alone is generally asymptomatic; however, signs and symptoms usually result secondary to the constrictive physiology caused by the rigid pericardium. But again, it should be noted that only 25% of patients with constriction have pericardial calcification. Our patient was a 58-year-old male with slowly progressive symptoms of abdominal distension and pedal edema, who was evaluated and was found to have calcification of the pericardium, in quite unusual locations, resulting in even more unusual complications.