Use of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of constrictive pericarditis: a Moroccan center experience.
BACKGROUND
The diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis continues to be a clinical challenge. Magnetic resonance imaging provides excellent visualization of the pericardium. The aim of our study is to clarify the contribution of this non invasive exploration in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis in our center.


METHODS
we conducted a prospective study over a period of two years, since 2008, covering a series of patients (n = 11), mean age 44 ± 15 years, in whom constrictive pericarditis was suspected clinically and on transthoracic echocardiography. We studied its characteristics on magnetic resonance imaging.


RESULTS
Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed the diagnosis showing pericardial thickening in all cases, measuring 8.2 +/- 2.6 mm on average, circumferential in 64%, and localized in 36%. The imaging data, particularly pericardial thickening and its topography, were confirmed by surgical exploration, and results were concordant in all cases.


CONCLUSIONS
Magnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool to establish constrictive pericarditis diagnosis.
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Amal
A
Lachhab
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Nawal
N
Doghmi
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Abdellah
A
Zouhairi
Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Anis
A
Seghrouchni
Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Fouad Amal
FA
Wahid
Department of Cardiovascular surgery, Military Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Abdellatif
A
Boulahya
Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Ibn Sina Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Wajih
W
Maazouzi
Department of Radiology, Agdal Clinic, Rabat, Morocco.
Youssef
Y
Elfakir
Department of Radiology, Agdal Clinic, Rabat, Morocco.
Omar
O
Taoussi
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Rachida
R
Amri
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Loubna
L
Belhaj
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Laila
L
Haddour
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Rhizlane
R
Cherradi
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Latifa
L
Oukerraj
Department of Cardiology B, Maternity Hospital, Rabat, Morocco.
Mohamed
M
Cherti