[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, 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.
Jamet
B
B
Département de cardiologie et pathologie vasculaire, hôpital Robert-Debré, rue du Général-Koenig, 51092 Reims, France.
Laury
P
P
el Hallak
A
A
Loze
O
O
Bonfils
L
L
Elaerts
J
J
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D013997:Time Factors; D014463:Ultrasonography