prediction of resolution of constrictive pericarditis

Q: Resolution of constrictive pericarditis can be predicted even before any treatment is given? (select one)

A) True
B) False


Answer: A (True)

With the advent of Cardiac Magnetic Resonance (CMR), resolution of the constrictive pericarditis can be predicted even before any anti-inflammatory treatment is given. It can be predicted by the degree of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) of the pericardium. Patients with tendency to have transient constrictive pericarditis have greater baseline LGE pericardial thickness and greater LGE qualitative intensity. LGE with pericardial thickness ≥3 mm predicted reversibility of constriction with 86 percent sensitivity and 80 percent specificity.

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#radiology



Reference:

Feng D, Glockner J, Kim K, et al. Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging pericardial late gadolinium enhancement and elevated inflammatory markers can predict the reversibility of constrictive pericarditis after antiinflammatory medical therapy: a pilot study. Circulation 2011; 124:1830.