[The role of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis]

Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare heart disease. The diagnosis remains a challenge. In fact, this illness can mimic restrictive cardiomyopathy. Echo-Doppler evaluation helps to establish the diagnosis of constriction; however, this technique is limited in its ability to image the entire pericardium because of its limited acoustic windows by air or bone of thorax. In addition, it is an operator-dependent exploration. Scanner and magnetic resonance imaging provide a large field of view and excellent images, showing the increased pericardial thickness and septal motion abnormalities. This review will consider the emerging role of these imaging modalities in the constrictive pericarditis diagnosis.

Keywords: Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging; Computed tomography; Constriction péricardique; Constrictive pericarditis; Couplage ventriculaire pathologique; Fasseyement septal; IRM cardiaque; Pericardial thickening; Scanner multibarettes; Septal bounce; Épaississement péricardique.