MR imaging findings in 76 consecutive surgically proven cases of pericardial disease with CT and pathologic correlation

To describe findings of patients with surgically confirmed pericardial disease on state of the art MR sequences. Retrospective review was performed for patients who underwent pericardiectomy and preoperative MR over a 5 year period ending in 2009. Patients' records were reviewed to confirm the diagnosis of chronic recurrent pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, or pericardial tumor. MR imaging findings of pericardial thickness, IVC diameter, presence or absence of pericardial or pleural effusion, pericardial edema, pericardial enhancement, and septal "bounce" were recorded. Patients with constriction had a larger IVC diameter (3.1 ± 0.4 cm) than patients with recurrent pain and no constriction (2.0 ± 0.4 cm). Mean pericardial thickness for the 16 patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis but no evidence of constriction was 4.8 ± 2.9 mm. Mean pericardial thickness for patients with constriction was 9.2 ± 7.0 cm with calcification, and 4.6 ± 2.1 cm without calcification. 94% of patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis had gadolinium enhancement of the pericardium, while 76% of patients with constriction had pericardial enhancement. Septal "bounce" was present in 19% of chronic recurrent pericarditis cases and 86% of constriction cases. 5 patients had a pericardial neoplasm, 1 of which was not identified preoperatively. State of the art MR techniques can identify significant and distinct findings in patients with chronic recurrent pericarditis, constrictive pericarditis, and pericardial tumors.     

MR imaging of the pericardium

Imaging of the pericardium requires understanding of anatomy and the normal and abnormal physiology of the pericardium. MR imaging is well-suited for answering clinical questions regarding suspected pericardial disease. Pericardial diseases that may be effectively imaged with MR imaging include pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac-pericardial tamponade, constrictive pericarditis, pericardial cysts, absence of the pericardium, and pericardial masses. Although benign and malignant primary tumors of the pericardium may be occasionally encountered, the most common etiology of a pericardial mass is metastatic disease.     

Index of biventricular interdependence calculated using cardiac MRI: a proof of concept study in patients with and without constrictive pericarditis

We sought to propose a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging-derived index of biventricular interdependence as a diagnostic parameter to distinguish patients with surgically-confirmed pericardial constriction from those without. Free-breathing real time MR pulse sequences of seventeen subjects with surgically proven constrictive pericarditis and thirty-five patients referred for clinically-indicated cardiac MR examinations but without documented constriction were analyzed using a novel index of biventricular interdependence. Cross-sectional biventricular areas at end diastole using the epicardial surface were traced at the mid left ventricular level at end-inspiration and end-expiration and an index of biventricular interdependence, defined as the ratio of (biventricular end-diastolic area at end-inspiration)/(biventricular end-diastolic area at end-expiration) was calculated for each subject. The mean index for both groups was calculated and results were statistically compared. The index of biventricular interdependence approximated unity (mean index 1.03 ± 0.03 SD) in patients with surgically confirmed pericardial constriction, indicating similar biventricular area at end-inspiration and end-expiration, and was significantly lower than in individuals without constrictive pericarditis (mean index 1.28 ± 0.10 SD; p < 0.0001). The MR-derived index of biventricular interdependence was significantly different between subjects with surgically-confirmed pericardial constriction and subjects where pericardial constraint was not suspected and may serve as a useful metric in the hemodynamic assessment of patients with a potential diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.     

CT Imaging of the Pericardium

Pericardial disease can be challenging to diagnose, and imaging can play a useful role in confirming or even suggesting the diagnosis. Computed tomography (CT) is a particularly appealing option for investigating pericardial disease in many patients because the differential diagnosis for symptoms of acute pericarditis or constrictive pericarditis often includes other diseases which are also well assessed with CT. In addition, many patients will have findings of pericardial disease manifest on CT imaging for other suspected diseases, and these findings can be missed if careful attention is not paid to the pericardium. CT also can play an important role in evaluating specific pericardial lesions, such as cysts, tumors, and abscesses. We will review findings of various pericardial diseases on CT with illustrative cases.     

Multimodality imaging for the diagnosis and treatment of constrictive pericarditis

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Constrictive pericarditis can result in debilitating congestive right heart failure and has been considered an important cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease. Multimodality imaging continues to play a fundamental role in the individual approach to diagnosis, management, and prognosis of patients with this clinical syndrome.

Areas covered: This article gives an overview of the clinical spectrum of constrictive pericardial diseases and the role of multimodality imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. There is a focus on the emerging role of cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) for the diagnosis, management, and prognostication of patients with constrictive pericarditis based on more recent case series, retrospective and prospective studies, which have helped to define the role of CMR.

Expert opinion: Advanced multimodality imaging assists with identification of both overt and subclinical pericardial inflammation. This allows the pericardiologist to recognize patients with potentially reversible disease, trial medical therapy, and thereby avoid mechanical removal of the pericardium. Further, pericardial characterization by CMR has provided novel information about the natural history of these pericardial conditions, which can help tailor therapy and improve prognosis.     

Chylous ascites due to constrictive pericarditis

Chylous ascites due to constrictive pericarditis is an extremely rare clinical entity, possibly caused by the augmented lymph production and high impedance to lymph drainage due to central venous hypertension. The authors describe a patient with chylous ascites caused by constrictive pericarditis in the absence of lymphatic obstruction. Cardiac catheterization is essential for the confirmation of accurate diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. Magnetic resonance imaging of the heart is also very helpful in the diagnosis. The patient was symptom free and his ascites and edema completely resolved after pericardiectomy.     

Constrictive pericarditis at abdominal CT: a commonly overlooked diagnosis

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate findings at abdominal computed tomography (CT) in patients with proven constrictive pericarditis. Methods The medical records of 25 patients with surgically proven constrictive pericarditis and abdominal CT examinations within 30 days of operation were reviewed. Clinical symptoms, laboratory findings and prospective CT findings were collated. The CT examinations were also retrospectively reviewed in an unblinded fashion. Results Direct CT findings of constrictive pericarditis with an abnormal pericardium were present in 23/25 patients. Only 9 of 25 (36%) patients were detected prospectively. Findings on retrospective review included pericardial calcification (10/25, 40%) or thickening (13/25, 52%), dilated IVC (20/25), dilated hepatic veins (14/25), ascites (14/25), mesenteric soft tissue stranding (12/25), mottled enhancement of the hepatic parenchyma (8/25), and cirrhosis (6/25). Anemia was present in (17/25), and an elevated AST levels occurred in 48% (12/25) of patients. The most common abdominal symptoms were pain (4/12), diarrhea (4/12), distention (3/12), and bloating (1/12). Conclusions Constrictive pericarditis can present with vague abdominal symptoms. Anemia and elevated liver function tests are common laboratory abnormalities. Indirect CT findings of dilated IVC and/or hepatic veins, ascites, or cirrhosis should prompt inspection of the pericardium. In the majority of cases an abnormal pericardium could be identified (thickened, calcified or both).     

快速进展型结核性心包炎的临床治疗

目的探讨不同治疗方案对于快速进展为缩窄性心包炎的结核性心包炎（快速进展型结核性心包炎）治疗效果、并发症、死亡率、患者预后的影响,以期对结核性心包炎的治疗获得更好的效果。 方法回顾性分析2014年6月至2019年5月成都市第三人民医院心脏大血管外科对38例快速进展型结核性心包炎的治疗方式、外科手术干预时机、手术方式及疗效、并发症、死亡率和随访情况等,治疗方式包括药物治疗、心包穿刺引流术、心包开窗术、心包剥脱术等。同期观察对慢性缩窄性心包炎行外科手术治疗患者115例。 结果对于快速进展型结核性心包炎采用不同的治疗方案,随访1~5年。所有患者均采用抗结核药物治疗,其中单纯药物治疗5例,全部进展为缩窄性心包炎;早期行心包穿刺引流术12例,治愈1例,其余11例进展为慢性缩窄性心包炎;早期行心包开窗术10例,进展为慢性缩窄性心包炎1例,治愈9例;早期行心包剥脱术11例,无进展为慢性缩窄性心包炎病例。全组无围术期死亡病例。与同期行慢性缩窄性心包炎外科手术治疗患者相比,快速进展型结核性心包炎外科手术治疗患者低心排综合征发生率较低（4.8% vs 24.3%,P＜0.05）,患者心功能改善情况较好（100.0% vs 80.7%,P＜0.05）,术后5年随访生存率较高（100% vs 78%,P＜0.05）。 结论快速进展型结核性心包炎单纯采用药物治疗和心包穿刺术治疗,有很高比例的患者会进展为缩窄性心包炎,从而严重影响患者的预后。早期外科干预能显著降低快速进展型结核性心包炎进展为缩窄性心包炎的概率,从而改善患者总体预后,改善患者生存质量,减轻社会负担。     

Capsule and mosaic pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma: Correlation between CT and MR imaging

Computed tomography (CT) was compared with magnetic resonance (MR) imaging in depicting the capsule and the mosaic pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma in 34 patients. The kappa statistic was used to compare results from both modalities. For the detection of the capsule, there was a substantial agreement beyond chance between late enhanced CT (more than 5 min after dynamic CT) and MR imaging (kappa=0.76). Late enhanced CT and MR imaging had almost perfect agreement for the demonstration of the mosaic pattern (kappa=0.85). These agreements were better than the agreements between unenhanced CT and MR imaging or between early enhanced CT and MR imaging. These results suggest that late enhanced CT compares favorably with MR imaging in depicting the capsule and the mosaic pattern of hepatocellular carcinoma.     

Idiopathic calcific constrictive pericarditis causing pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect mimicking tetralogy of Fallot

We describe an unusual case of pulmonary stenosis caused by calcific constrictive pericarditis associated with a congenital ventricular septal defect in a 16-year-old boy who had a 2-week history of progressive dyspnea, cyanosis, fatigue, and bilateral leg edema. Echocardiographic findings led to an initial diagnosis of tetralogy of Fallot; however, findings on chest radiography and CT were suggestive of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis, which was then confirmed on cardiac catheterization. Total pericardiectomy and repair of the ventricular septal defect resulted in a satisfactory outcome. Follow-up examinations at 6 and 20 months showed that the patient was asymptomatic and considered to have class I New York Heart Association functional status. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of calcific constrictive pericarditis with pulmonary stenosis associated with a ventricular septal defect.     

The constricted heart

Often indistinguishable from restrictive cardiomyopathy and hepatic cirrohis, clinical acumen is essential in the recognition and diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis. A thorough medical history should rule out infectious disease exposure. A physical examination may include variable signs such as Kussmaul's sign, pulsus paradoxus, and pericardial knock, while jugular venous distention is of cardinal significance in eliminating liver cirrhosis as the cause of ascites. A complete physical examination, appropriate imaging studies, and cardiac catheterizaiton are crucial for proper diagnosis and prompt treatment of constrictive pericarditis.     

Constrictive pericarditis associated with combined idiopathic retroperitoneal and mediastinal fibrosis

Idiopathic retroperitoneal fibrosis and mediastinal fibrosis are localized expressions of a systemic sclerosing disease of unknown cause which, on rare occasions, may coexist in the same patient. Although pericardial involvement may occur, recurrent constrictive pericarditis that is unrelieved by pericardiectomy has not previously been reported in association with either idiopathic retroperitoneal or mediastinal fibrosis. Reported herein is a case of recurrent constrictive pericarditis that was unrelieved by two pericardiectomies , and autopsy revealed unsuspected combined idiopathic retroperitoneal and mediastinal fibrosis. The clinical, echocardiographic, and pathologic findings are described.     

Pericarditis, pericardial effusion, cardiac tamponade, and constriction

Critical care aspects of pericardial disease are covered, including diagnosis and differential diagnosis of acute pericarditis, pericardial effusion with and without cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis and effusive-constrictive pericarditis. Emphasis is placed on clinical signs and the important invasive and noninvasive diagnostic procedures, particularly various imaging methods (emphasis on echocardiography), electrocardiography, and cardiac catheterization. Medical and surgical therapies are reviewed, and the technique of pericardiocentesis is presented.     

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging: Recent Advances and New Insights in Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) is increasingly employed as a diagnostic test in the evaluation of cardiovascular disease. This article provides an update on recent developments in diagnostic and prognostic applications of CMR in clinical practice. Specifically, advances in the evaluation of myocardial diseases of both ischemic and nonischemic etiology are emphasized. New data on less frequent indications such as constrictive pericarditis, valvular heart disease, or pulmonary hypertension are also summarized. Finally, the emerging roles of novel techniques, like myocardial T1-mapping or molecular imaging, are discussed.     

缩窄性心包炎心脏几何形态的二维超声心动图特征

目的：探讨缩窄性心包炎心脏形态学。材料和方法：应用二维超声心科观察２０例缩窄性心包炎心脏形态学特征,并与１５例正常人对比分析。结果：缩窄性心包炎心脏同 形态具有特征性变化,并可分为右室凹陷型、左室凹陷型和不规则型。 此为标准判断是否存在缩窄性心包炎,其敏感性达９０％,特生为１００％。结论：心脏几何形态改变可作为评价缩窄性心包炎的一种方法。     

Normal spinal anatomy on magnetic resonance imaging

Over the past few decades, spinal magnetic resonance imaging (MR imaging) has largely replaced computed tomography (CT) and CT myelography in the assessment of intraspinal pathology at institutions where MR imaging is available. Given its high contrast resolution, MR imaging allows the differentiation of the several adjacent structures comprising the spine. This article illustrates normal spinal anatomy as defined by MR imaging, describes commonly used spinal MR imaging protocols, and discusses associated common artifacts.     

Protein-losing enteropathy in association with constrictive pericarditis

Although acute pericarditis is a common and usual benign disorder, sometimes evolution to constrictive pericarditis may occur. We present a case of constrictive pericarditis late after coronary bypass grafting, complicated by right sided heart failure. Edema formation was aggravated due to protein-losing enteropathy, resulting in hypoalbuminemia. Imaging of constrictive pericarditis was done by ultrasound as well as simultaneous pressure recording of the right and left ventricle. Imaging of intestinal protein loss was possible using intravenous Technetium-99m-labelled human serum albumin.     

Nonenhanced magnetic resonance imaging of mild acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND: Computed tomography (CT) is not always effective for demonstrating mild acute pancreatitis, and the intravenous administration of iodine contrast medium is harmful to the inflamed pancreas. The goal of this study was to evaluate the usefulness of nonenhanced magnetic resonance (MR) imaging for the depiction of mild acute pancreatitis. METHODS: We performed T1-weighted imaging with a short echo time, T2-weighted imaging, and MR cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) in 12 patients with mild acute pancreatitis. Nonenhanced CT and contrast-enhanced CT were always performed before the MR studies. RESULTS: T1- and T2-weighted MR images using a breath-hold or respiratory-triggered technique produced clearer images of the inflamed pancreas than did CT. Peripancreatic fat necrosis was shown by both methods. Although MRCP demonstrated no abnormalities of the pancreatic duct, it demonstrated stones in the gallbladder and common bile duct. CONCLUSIONS: Nonenhanced MR imaging was superior to CT for depiction and confirmation of mild acute pancreatitis.     

中脑周围非动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血的影像学诊断

目的 中脑周围非动脉瘤性蛛网膜下腔出血(PNSAH)是脑血管造影(CAG)阴性的蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)中的一种独特且预后较佳的亚型。本探讨其影像学特点和诊断。方法：回顾性分析我科连续收治的30例PNSAH。所有患均进行CT和全脑血管造影，23例进行了MR检查，25例行CT血管造影(CTA)检查。结果：CT上SAH位于脑干周围的脑池内．Fisher分级2—3级。CAG、CTA均无阳性发现，早期MR可见脑池内的出血灶，晚期MR正常。结论：PNSAH具有典型的CT表现，但CAG可明确排除其他部位出血。首次CAG和CTA检查均正常的典型患．1个月后可只行CTA而省略CAG复查。诊断PNSAH必须排除椎基底脑动脉瘤。     

Intrapericardial fibrinolysis: a useful treatment in the management of purulent pericarditis

Since the introduction of antibiotics into clinical practice, purulent pericarditis has become a rare disease. The major complication of the standard management for this condition is constrictive pericarditis. We report two cases of purulent pericarditis in which intrapericardial fibrinolysis was performed in order to minimize this complication. The first case was a 38-year-old man admitted to our intensive care unit (ICU) for management of constrictive pericarditis complicating purulent pericarditis diagnosed 17 days previously. The patient was treated with four intrapericardial injections of streptokinase (250000 IU each). Fluid drainage and cardiac output were improved. No change in clotting parameters was noted. Pericardiectomy and esophagectomy were then performed for a diagnosis of esophageal neoplasm. The postoperative course was uneventful. The second case was a 16-year-old boy admitted with loss of consciousness due to cardiac tamponade. Percutaneous pericardiocentesis drained 900 ml of cloudy fluid. Two intrapericardial injections were performed (day 1 and day 5) without any complication. Pericardial drainage was withdrawn on day 13 and the patient was discharged from ICU on the same day. Six months later, there was no evidence of constrictive pericarditis. Intrapericardial fibrinolysis appears to be safe and effective when prescribed rapidly in the course of purulent pericarditis. Received: 19 June 1996 Accepted: 15 September 1996