Pericardial constriction MRI


 * Associate Editor-In-Chief: Atif Mohammad, M.D.

MRI
MRI or CT may demonstrate thickening or calcification of the pericardium.

Below is a video demonstrating MR findings of constrictive pericarditis where, in mid-diastole, the thickened pericardium begins to restrict right ventricular filling, causing a rapid increase in ventricular pressure. Early changes of septal flattening and bowing of the interventricular septum toward the left ventricle (normally concave in shape toward the left ventricle during diastolic filling) are seen. This pressure change results in diastolic septal dysfunction, the septal bounce described in echocardiography. 