# Picture perfect constrictive pericarditis: a case report

## TL;DR

This case report describes a 75-year-old man diagnosed with constrictive pericarditis using multiple imaging techniques and highlights the importance of a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

## Contribution

The paper presents a rare, illustrative case of constrictive pericarditis with clear clinical and imaging findings.

## Key findings

- Echocardiography showed a septal bounce, CT revealed pericardial calcification, and right heart catheterization demonstrated equalized diastolic pressures.
- MRI confirmed the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis.
- The case emphasizes the value of multimodal imaging in diagnosing this condition.

## Abstract

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a rare complication of acute pericarditis, caused by pericardial fibrosis and calcification that impair diastolic filling. It leads to right-sided heart failure and requires multimodal imaging for diagnosis, including echocardiography, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and right heart catheterization.

A 75-year-old male with a recent history of pneumonia and chest pain presented with dyspnoea and oedema. Echocardiography showed a septal bounce; CT revealed pericardial calcification; and right heart catheterization demonstrated equalized diastolic pressures with a square root sign. Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed CP. The patient was managed medically and referred for pericardiectomy.

This case illustrates classic CP with hallmark clinical, imaging, and haemodynamic findings. It emphasizes the diagnostic value of multimodal evaluation and serves as a comprehensive example of this uncommon but critical condition.