digoxin and Constriction--Pathologic

Ventricular failure is accompanied by a series of neurohormonal responses that result in vasoconstriction. Vasoconstriction develops and is mediated by norepinephrine, angiotensin II, and vasopressin. Vasoconstriction maintains blood pressure but contributes to deterioration in ventricular function. Baroreceptor dysfunction contributes to the syndrome by failing to ameliorate the sympathetic overstimulation. Drug therapy has historically included positive inotropes until recent data suggested that these drugs contributed to worsened survival. The role of digitalis glycosides in patients with ventricular failure who are in normal sinus rhythm remains a subject of scrutiny. Thus far, no long-term oral positive inotrope has replaced digoxin. Vasodilator therapy and interference with the neurohormonal response have become the major approaches to pharmacologic management of ventricular failure. Angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors have shown convincingly that they improve survival, slow the course of disease progression, and block the neurohormonal response to ventricular failure. New treatments for ventricular failure must be directed at long-term gain rather than short-term hemodynamic results.

Topics: Angiotensin II; Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; Constriction, Pathologic; Digoxin; Heart Failure; Heart Ventricles; Hemodynamics; Humans; Norepinephrine; Survival Rate; Vasodilator Agents; Vasopressins

A 13-year-old boy with active tuberculous constrictive pericarditis underwent complete pericardiectomy together with antituberculous therapy and a short course of steroids. Six weeks following the surgery, he was seen with clinical and hemodynamic findings of recurrent pericardial constriction, presumably due to an inflammatory collection around the heart. Symptoms gradually resolved within six months with resumption of steroid therapy. Repeat hemodynamic study showed normal hemodynamics. The case demonstrates the production of cardiac constriction by nonpericardial inflammatory tissue and the possible benefits of steroid therapy in the treatment of tuberculous constrictive pericarditis.

Topics: Adolescent; Antitubercular Agents; Constriction, Pathologic; Digoxin; Diuretics; Humans; Male; Pericarditis, Constrictive; Pericarditis, Tuberculous; Postoperative Complications; Prednisone; Tuberculosis, Cardiovascular