Constrictive Pericarditis Flashcards
1
Q
What is constrictive pericarditis?
A
- Inflammation, thickening, scarring and/or calcification of the pericardium
- Results in fusion of visceral and parietal pericardial layers
- Encasement of heart within a solid, non-compliant sac
- Impaired diastolic filing (due to fixed total intra-pericardial volume)
2
Q
Restricted diastolic filling in CP?
A
- Early diastole: rapid ventricular filling as normal
- Mid diastole: rapid termination of diastolic flow occurs when the limits of pericardial compliance reached (i.e. pericardium can stretch no further)
3
Q
Haemodynamic hallmark of CP?
A
- Equalisation of diastolic pressures in all 4 chambers
- “Square root sign” seen in cardiac catheterisation
4
Q
Right and left heart filling with respiration in CP?
A
- Exaggerated
- Dissociation between ITP and ICP = haemodynamic effects similar to tamponade
5
Q
Ventricular interdependence in CP?
A
- Enhanced
- Dissociation between ITP and ICP = haemodynamic effects similar to tamponade
6
Q
What are the clinical signs of CP?
A
- Kussmaul’s sign
- Pericardial knock
- Not specific for CP, also seen when right heart failure
7
Q
What is Kussmaul’s sign?
A
Paradoxical rise in JVP on inspiration (normally falls)
8
Q
What is a pericardial knock?
A
- High pitch heart sounds in early diastole
- Occurs when rapid ventricular filling is abruptly halted by the constricting pericardium
9
Q
Anatomic features of CP?
A
- Thickened and calcified pericardium
- Fibrosis and adhesion of pericardial layers
10
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Low CO state
A
- CP: Yes
- Tamponade: Yes
11
Q
CP vs Tamponade: JVD
A
- CP: Present
- Tamponade: Present
12
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Restricted Diastolic Filling
A
- CP: Mid-late diastole
- Tamponade: Entire diastolic period
13
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Dissociation between ITP and ICP
A
- CP: Isolation of heart by constrictive pericardial shell
- Tamponade: Increased IPP (impedes transmission of ITP to pericardial sac and heart)
14
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Kussmaul’s Sign
A
- CP: Present
- Tamponade: Absent
15
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Pulsus Paradoxus
A
- CP: Absent
- Tamponade: Present
16
Q
CP vs Tamponade: Heart Sounds
A
- CP: Pericardial knock
- Tamponade: Decreased
17
Q
Echo signs of CP?
A
- Notching of IVS (as seen on m-mode)
- Pericardial thickening (increased echo-genicity of pericardium)
- Absence of pericardial slippage (thickened pericardium tethered to the heart)
- Septal bounce (exaggerated ventricular interdependence)