CTICasesConstrictive Pericarditis
Imaging findings
Real-time cine MRI in the short-axis view demonstrates a rapid and pronounced septal bounce, with dramatic bowing of the interventricular septum toward the left ventricle during early inspiration. CT and plain radiographs demonstrate associated extensive pericardial calcification.
Key takeaways
Pericardial calcification is a helpful diagnostic clue but is not synonymous with constriction, as some patients with calcification do not have physiology of constriction and vice versa. Real-time cine MRI during free breathing is the most reliable imaging technique to confirm constrictive physiology. It demonstrates ventricular interdependence, where inspiration causes a drop in intrathoracic pressure, increasing right ventricular filling and pressure, forcing the septum to bow into the left ventricle.
AI-assisted summary — may contain errors. Verify against the source video. Learn more
More from this webinar
- Sinus of Valsalva Aneurysm with Bicuspid Aortic Valve and Coarctation of the AortaCongenital
- Myxoid Liposarcoma of the MediastinumNeoplastic
- Lateral Thoracic Meningoceles in Neurofibromatosis Type 1Congenital
- Iatrogenic Bronchial Artery PseudoaneurysmIatrogenic
- IgG4-Related Disease with Lung Parenchymal and Biliary InvolvementAutoimmune
- Scimitar Syndrome with Pseudo-Horseshoe LungCongenital
- Diaphragmatic EventrationCongenital
- Early Sternal Disruption after Coronary Artery Bypass GraftingIatrogenic
See all cases from December 9, 2016 →
Related Inflammatory cases
- Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome in Disseminated Tuberculosis
- Bronchiolitis Obliterans
- Drug-Related Eosinophilic Pneumonia Secondary to Progesterone Preparation
- Sarcoid-Like Reaction Induced by Interferon Therapy
- Sarcoid-Like Reaction in Patient on Pirfenidone for IPF
- Acquired Left Lower Lobe Bronchial Angulation and Recurrent Aspiration