Initial echocardiographic characteristics of pericardial effusion determine the pericardial complications

Results of pericardiectomy for constrictive pericarditis

“…In the literature, although there are limited data related to early pericardiectomy before the development of CP in patients with repeated pericardial effusions, some echocardiographic, laboratory, and pathologic predictors of the development of CP have been reported. It was shown that in patients with effusive pericarditis, the presence of echogenic material such as intrapericardial fibrinous strands and/or exudative frond-like materials predict pericardial complications such as recurrence and constrictive pericarditis [22]. Moreover, the magnitude of the pericardial inflammatory response at the stage of effusion was showntobe animportantpredictorof subsequent constriction in patients with TB pericarditis.…”

Constrictive pericarditis secondary to infection with Mycoplasma pneumoniae

“…Patients with constrictive pericarditis develop tachycardia, dyspnea, ascites, peripheral edema, and muffled heart tones, even after successful drainage of the initial pericardial effusion. Diagnosis may be suspected through the visualization of echogenic intrapericardial fibrinous strands during echocardiography [27]. Echocardiogram is also helpful in documenting the physiologic consequences of constrictive pericarditis, including decreased early diastolic mitral valve inflow velocity with a short deceleration time and reciprocal respiratory variation of left and rightventricular inflow [28].…”

The use of echocardiography in acute cardiovascular care: Recommendations of the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging and the Acute Cardiovascular Care Association

“…However, a normal study does not exclude the diagnosis, with pericardial effusion detectable in only 60% of cases. 48 Pericardial thickening (>3 mm) may be present, and although echocardiography is not accurate, TOE is superior to TTE ( Figure 4). When elevated cardiac troponin is detected (up to 50% of patients presenting with acute pericarditis, 49 the term perimyocarditis is applicable.…”