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Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis: Doppler Findings

  • Pericardial Disease (AL Klein and CL Jellis, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

To review the echo-Doppler findings in effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP). ECP corresponds to the coexistence of a hemodynamically significant pericardial effusion and markedly reduced compliance of the pericardium, manifested by constrictive physiology post-pericardiocentesis.

Recent Findings

We summarize herein the recent observations regarding the prevalence of ECP based on echocardiography as well as the pre- and post-pericardiocentesis echo-Doppler features of ECP. ECP diagnosed by echocardiography was seen in approximately 15% of patients with ECP pre- and post-pericardiocentesis echo-Doppler findings sharing features with both cardiac tamponade and constrictive pericarditis.

Summary

ECP post-pericardiocentesis is common but its natural history in the current era might be better than previously reported. Further studies and (particularly simultaneous echocardiography-cardiac catheterization) are still critically needed to better understand the underlying hemodynamics of ECP. Moreover, it remains to be determined whether pre- and post-pericardiocentesis echo-Doppler findings can be used to prognosticate or to guide therapy of those undergoing pericardiocentesis.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Mayo Clinic, 200 First St SW, Rochester, MN, 55905, USA

    William R. Miranda, Darrell B. Newman & Jae K. Oh

Authors
  1. William R. Miranda
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  2. Darrell B. Newman
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  3. Jae K. Oh
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Correspondence to William R. Miranda.

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William R. Miranda, Darrell B. Newman, and Jae K. Oh declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Pericardial Disease

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Miranda, W.R., Newman, D.B. & Oh, J.K. Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis: Doppler Findings. Curr Cardiol Rep 21, 144 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-019-1243-4

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