Genesis of pericardial knock in constrictive pericarditis

Pericardial Disease

“…This occurs as a highpitched sound early in diastole when there is the sudden cessation of rapid ventricular diastolic filling. 61 When accurately recognized, a pericardial knock is a specific but insensitive indicator of pericardial constriction.…”

Constrictive Pericarditis After Cardiac Transplantation: A Case Report and Literature Review

“…1 The classic (but relatively insensitive) auscultatory finding is a pericardial knock, a high-pitch sound in early diastole produced by the sudden cessation in rapid ventricular filling. 2,3 The definitive treatment of chronic pericardial constriction is surgical pericardial decortication, a major procedure associated with considerable mortality (Ͼ6% according to some series). 4,5 Because of the high surgical risk, multiple diagnostic procedures are often undertaken to ensure a correct diagnosis.…”

Ascites as a manifestation of effusive-constrictive pericarditis in an African patient

“…The pericardial knock described as early diastolic sound is caused by the sudden distension of the left ventricle against the thickened pericardium 6. Cachexia and hepatic dysfunction with ascites may occur in the later stages.…”