Gated tomographic myocardial perfusion images were acquired in a supine position following dipyridamole stress and at rest, using CZT with low-dose CT for coronary calcium evaluation.
See the images as follows and describe your findings:
REST: Ejection fraction 67%, LVEDV (ml): 36, LVESV (ml): 12
STRESS: Ejection fraction 71%, LVEDV (ml): 34, LVESV (ml): 10
Impression:
Normal perfusion at rest and following stress.
Normal LV size, ejection fraction, and wall motion in rest and stress.
See the low-dose CT images :
Severe pericardial calcification is seen, in keeping with constrictive pericarditis.
Constrictive pericarditis (CP) is a relatively uncommon form of clinical heart failure.
Although the etiology of CP can be varied (idiopathic, post-viral, tuberculous, post-surgical, radiation-induced, etc.), the final common pathway is the development of fibrous thickening or calcification of the pericardium resulting in pericardial non-compliance.
This medical condition is potentially reversible, so the diagnosis must not be missed.
Surgical pericardiectomy has the ability to "cure" CP, with dramatic improvements in symptoms and quality of life.
Etiology :
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Idiopathic
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Post-viral
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Tuberculous
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Post-surgical
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Radiation-induced
