Use of magnetic resonance imaging in assessment of constrictive pericarditis: a Moroccan center experience

Abstract

BackgroundThe 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.Methodswe 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.ResultsMagnetic 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.ConclusionMagnetic resonance imaging is a powerful tool to establish constrictive pericarditis diagnosis.

Systematic review of non-invasive cardiovascular imaging in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis

“…Giorgi et al found that abnormal focal or diffuse pericardial thickening was noted in 21 out of 21 patients with CP with a mean thickness of 7.1 mm compared to only 1 out of 13 patients with RCM 46 . In a study by Lachhab et al, the average thickness of pericardium was 8 mm in patients with CP and the thickening was circumferential in 64% and localized in 36%; more importantly, the assessment of pericardial thickness using MRI showed 100% concordance with surgical findings 47 …”

Partial Congenital Absence of The Pericardium: A Case Report

“…For this reason, the majority of literature reviews have focused on the possible symptoms, indications, and management algorithm that could be associated with the absence of the left side of the pericardium. Among the typical clinical signs, we could observe chest pain, dyspnea, the episode of acute respiratory distress leading to syncope, palpitation [3] . In the majority of reported cases of CAP, the clinical presentation is not specific.…”

Cardiac magnetic resonance radiofrequency tissue tagging for diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis: A proof of concept study

“…12 A single small study done in Morocco showed that CMR, which included sparse RF imaging techniques, had an overall sensitivity of 88%, a specificity of 100%, and an accuracy of 93%. 13 The chief clinical impediment with diagnosing CP is differentiating CP from restrictive cardiomyopathy. 14 However, once CP is suspected, robust modalities to accurately define CP are limited.…”