Constrictive pericarditis following Coxsackie virus infection

Abstract

Infection with Coxsackie B₂ virus is described in a 49-year-old farmer in whom myopericarditis and pneumonitis was followed over a period of 10 months by constrictive pericarditis. The differentiation between restrictive cardiomyopathy and constrictive pericarditis was not achieved without exploratory thoracotomy. The adherent pericardium was successfully excised with complete relief. The literature is reviewed and it is suggested that the development of constriction following Coxsackie pericarditis must be considered at subsequent examinations of the patient.