Which condition often leads to constrictive pericarditis?

Constrictive pericarditis is a condition characterized by the thickening and fibrotic scarring of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. Chronic inflammation is a common underlying factor that can lead to this condition. When inflammatory processes are prolonged, such as those seen in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or post-radiation therapy, they can result in the pericardium becoming less elastic and more rigid. This rigidity restricts the heart's ability to fill properly during diastole, leading to the symptoms associated with constrictive pericarditis.

While infections can lead to pericardial inflammation, they often result in acute pericarditis, which is typically reversible. Pneumonia is primarily a pulmonary condition and does not directly cause constrictive pericarditis. Similarly, while a heart attack may lead to complications such as cardiac tamponade or post-myocardial infarction pericarditis, it is not directly linked to the chronic, fibrotic changes seen in constrictive pericarditis. Thus, chronic inflammation stands out as the key factor that often leads to the development of this serious cardiac condition.