Computed Tomography in Constrictive Pericardial Disease

Abstract

Thirteen patients with pericardial abnormalities and a question of constrictive hemodynamics underwent contrast enhanced cardiac computed tomography (CT). Those with clinical and catheterization evidence of restricted cardiac filling demonstrated 3 CT signs: a dilated IVC [inferior vena cava], a deformed ventricular contour and an angulated interventricular septum. Patients with pericardial fluid, thickening or calcification without evidence of constriction showed none of these signs. Cardiac CT also defined sites of particular constriction for subsequent resection.