# Heartfelt struggles: When ablation brings the squeeze

## TL;DR

A 65-year-old patient developed chronic pericarditis after a heart procedure, highlighting the need for early detection of this rare but treatable complication.

## Contribution

The paper emphasizes the importance of timely diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis following pulmonary vein isolation.

## Key findings

- Chronic pericarditis can occur after pulmonary vein isolation for atrial fibrillation.
- Prompt diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is crucial for effective treatment.
- The case illustrates the challenges in diagnosing this condition due to nonspecific symptoms.

## Abstract

Pericarditis frequently occurs as a complication following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for atrial fibrillation (AF), yet it seldom progresses to constrictive pericarditis (CP). The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis is often challenging owing to nonspecific signs and symptoms. Nevertheless, a high level of suspicion and prompt diagnosis offer an ultimate cure. We present a case of a 65-year-old patient who developed chronic pericarditis following PVI. This instance underscores the importance of promptly identifying this complication within this particular group of patients.