Subacute effusive-constrictive pericarditis: diagnosis by serial echocardiography.
We report the case of a 30-year-old man with acute pericarditis in whom effusive-constrictive physiology developed rapidly in less than 2 weeks. Serial echocardiography demonstrated a dramatic change in the appearance of the pericardial effusion and the pericardial space. The patient underwent pericardiectomy with symptom relief. The findings at operation included a markedly thickened and inflamed pericardium. The case highlights the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of patients with pericardial disease and the echocardiographic features that prompted early surgical intervention.
Baker
Cindy M
CM
Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH 43210, USA.
Orsinelli
David A
DA
D000328:Adult; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004452:Echocardiography / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy; D010494:Pericarditis, Constrictive / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000628:therapy