Experimental Constrictive Pericarditis: Analysis of Induced Circulatory Failure

Abstract

Chemically induced constrictive pericarditis, created by the Dakin soln. technic of Beck, was produced in dogs and the resulting circulatory failure analyzed. Increased venous pressure, no changes in renal function or in blood volume, ascites, hind leg edema and absence of pulmonary edema characterized the commoner type of circulatory failure. Pulmonary edema, marked increase in blood volume, minimal changes in venous pressure and no ascites were the characteristics of the circulatory failure in 1 dog. Resection of a constricting pericardium must include the pericardium overlying the left and right inflow tracts. The possibility that the escape of lymph of the liver into the abdominal cavity may play a role in the genesis of ascites with induced constrictive pericarditis is considered.