Early postoperative constrictive pericarditis: value of echocardiography. Report of 4 cases

In the present study, four cases of early postoperative constrictive pericarditis have been described which serve as a basis for recalling the current main echographic features of this disorder: pericardial thickening, abnormal septal movement with inspiratory expansion of the right ventricle, respi...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inAnnales de cardiologie et d'angéiologie Vol. 49; no. 8; p. 455
Main Authors Jamet, B, Laury, P, el Hallak, A, Loze, O, Bonfils, L, Elaerts, J
Format Journal Article
LanguageFrench
Published France 01.12.2000
Subjects
Aged
Humans
Male
Middle Aged
Pericarditis, Constrictive - diagnostic imaging
Postoperative Complications - diagnostic imaging
Time Factors
Ultrasonography
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Summary:In the present study, four cases of early postoperative constrictive pericarditis have been described which serve as a basis for recalling the current main echographic features of this disorder: pericardial thickening, abnormal septal movement with inspiratory expansion of the right ventricle, respiratory variations in ventricular filling, characteristic modifications in the supra-hepatic pulmonary venous flow, and pulmonary insufficiency. Some hypotheses have also been presented on the possible etiology of this disease. The necessity of making a precise and rapid diagnosis, which should also be confirmed by catheterization to ensure the appropriateness of therapy, has been emphasized. Pericardectomy can determine the long-term prognosis.
ISSN:0003-3928