Pericardial questions

Last year I was hospitalized for pneumonia with catastrophic heart failure.  Now I have a thickened pericardium and pericardial effusion, as well as lateral scarring in my lower lungs.  I have recently had more difficulty breathing, sometimes having to make myself draw heard breaths, and some intermittant (lasts two or three days) pain in my sternum.  Any suggestions or theories?

thank you for your consideration

[Douglas Bogart, MD]

You should be followed to make sure you don't develop constrictive pericarditis.  There are certain viral and bacterial infections that can cause pericarditis and pneumonia.