Cardiac CT Appearances
Constrictive Pericarditis CT Findings
- Thickening of the pericardium
- May or may not have calcification
- Irregular pericardial delineation
- Underlying cardiac cavities may appear flattened or tubular
Other Information About Constrictive Pericarditis
Etiology:
- Tuberculosis
- Heart surgery
- Radiation therapy
- Can be idiopathic
Epidemiology:
- More common in males
Presentation:
- Dyspnea
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Swelling of the lower extremities
Prognosis:
- Untreated constrictive pericarditis can be fatal
- Can often be treated with surgery