Key result
Multimodal imaging enables diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis with sustained relief after pericardiectomy.
Case Report (n=1)
No
This case highlights the clinical utility and accuracy of a multimodal imaging approach for diagnosing constrictive pericarditis, as recommended by European Society of Cardiology guidelines.
Supports multimodal imaging for constrictive pericarditis diagnosis; single case leaves open generalizability and prospective validation.
Background Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a rare complication of acute pericarditis, caused by pericardial fibrosis and calcification that impair diastolic filling. It leads to right-sided heart failure and requires multimodal imaging for diagnosis, including echocardiography, cardiac MRI, and right heart catheterization. Case Presentation A 75-year-old male with a recent history of pneumonia and chest pain presented with dyspnea and edema. Echocardiography showed a septal bounce; CT revealed pericardial calcification; and right heart catheterization demonstrated equalized diastolic pressures with a square root sign. MRI confirmed CP. The patient was managed medically and referred for pericardiectomy. Discussion This case illustrates classic CP with hallmark clinical, imaging, and hemodynamic findings. It emphasizes the diagnostic value of multimodal evaluation and serves as a comprehensive example of this uncommon but critical condition.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Bahrou et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Constrictive pericarditis (n=1). Multimodal imaging and pericardiectomy was evaluated. Multimodal imaging successfully diagnosed classic constrictive pericarditis in a 75-year-old male, who remained asymptomatic 11 months after pericardiectomy.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: