Kerstin Ulrike Bauner MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Michael Schmoeckel MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Paraskevi Petrakopoulou, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Maximilian F. Reiser MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Armin Michael Huber MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

The aim of the study was to evaluate diastolic function in patients with constrictive pericarditis using velocity encoded flow measurements before and after pericardectomy.

Velocity encoded flow measurements were performed at the atrioventricular valves in 10 patients with constrictive pericarditis. Flow measurements were performed with retrospective ECG-Gating (TR/TE/Bandwidth/Matrix/VENC: 41 msec/ 3.2/ 391/ 256 x 100/ 100-150cm/sec). The reconstructed images had a temporal resolution of 20 msec. The resulting flow curves were evaluated. For assessment of diastolic function the amplitudes of the E- and A-waves were measured and the E- to A-wave ratios calculated. An E-to-A-wave-ratio 2 DD Grade III. Appearance of middiastolic flow, indicating diastolic dysfunction, was registered.

The measurements at the mitral valves prior to pericardectomy revealed diastolic dysfunction grade I in 4 patients, grade II in 3 patients and grade III in 3 patients. Middiastolic flow was detected in 2 patients. At the tricuspid valves diastolic dysfunction grade I was present in 3 patients, grade II in 4 patients and grade III in 3 patients. Improvement of diastolic function after pericardectomy was documented in 5 patients at the mitral valve and in 2 patients at the tricuspid valve.

Velocity encoded flow measurements are feasible and a valuable tool for assessment of diastolic function in patients with constrictive pericarditis and for evaluation of the outcome after surgery.

Due to the pericardial calcification in CP cardiac examination is often impaired in echocardiography. Therefore MRI may be a valuable substitute for base analysis and follow up examinations.

Bauner, K, Schmoeckel, M, Petrakopoulou, P, Reiser, M, Huber, A, Evaluation of Diastolic Function in Patients with Constrictive Pericarditis before and after Pericardectomy.  Radiological Society of North America 2007 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2007 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2007/5003904.html