The Influence of Constructive Pericarditis on the Superior Vena Caval Flow Pattern

The superior vena caval flow pattern was studied intra-operatively in four cases of constrictive pericarditis. Prior to pericardectomy, the flow patterns in three cases of severe constriction showed close haemodynamic conformity, distinctly different from the normal and corresponding to specific right atrial and ventricular pressure events. Despite the limited number of observations, the finding of a characteristic flow pattern in severe constriction may justify its use as an intra-operative diagnostic parameter. After pericardial resection the flow pattern was unchanged in two cases. Tricuspid incompetence, however, was detected in one case and suspected in another.