Outcomes and Risk Factors Associated with Pericardiectomy in Patients with Constrictive Pericarditis: A Retrospective Study from China

Abstract

Purpose: Pericardiectomy is the definitive treatment option for constrictive pericarditis and is associated with a high prevalence of morbidity and mortality. However, information on the associated outcomes and risk factors is limited. We aimed to report the mid-term outcomes of pericardiectomy from a single center in China.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data collected from patients who underwent pericardiectomy at our institute from April 2018 to January 2023.

Results: Eighty-six consecutive patients (average age, 46.1 ± 14.7 years; 68.6 men) underwent pericardiectomy through midline sternotomy. The most common etiology was idiopathic (n = 60, 69.8%), and 82 patients (95.3%) were in the New York Heart Association function class III/IV. In all, 32 (37.2%) patients underwent redo sternotomies, 36 (41.9%) underwent a concomitant procedure, and 39 (45.3%) required cardiopulmonary bypass. The 30-day mortality rate was 5.8%, and the 1-year and 5-year survival rates were 88.3% and 83.5%, respectively. Multivariable analysis revealed that preoperative mitral insufficiency (MI) ≥moderate (hazard ratio [HR], 6.435; 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.655–25.009]; p = 0.007) and partial pericardiectomy (HR, 11.410; 95% CI [3.052–42.663]; p = 0.000) were associated with increased 5-year mortality.

Conclusion: Pericardiectomy remains a safe operation for constrictive pericarditis with optimal mid-term outcomes.