Imaging in constrictive pericarditis

Abstract

Raised right ventricular end-diastolic pressure and diastolic pressure equalization are accurate in only up to 85% causes in differentiating constrictive pericarditis from restrictive cardiomyopathy. Therefore imaging in the form of either computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) is important for clinching the diagnosis. In cases of diagnostic dilemma, cardiac MR (CMR) is the investigation of choice with its ability to show both morphological (increased pericardial thickness) and functional changes (constriction, septal bounce). CT for constrictive pericardium may be done if CMR is not available or when there is any contraindication to doing CMR.