Three-dimensional transesophageal echocardiography: diagnosing the extent of pericarditis constrictiva and intraoperative surgical support

J Card Surg. 2009 May-Jun;24(3):305-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8191.2008.00801.x.

Abstract

The traditional two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography (2DTTE) has limitations in demonstrating the extent of pericardial thickening in constrictive pericarditis (CP) because of poor transmission of ultrasound through the thickened anterior pericardial structures. We describe a case of CP, of unknown etiology, in which transesophageal 3DTEE equalled the accuracy of cardiac magnetic resonance in demonstrating the extent of pericardial thickening in CP.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Echocardiography, Three-Dimensional / methods*
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / methods*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Intraoperative Period
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericarditis, Constrictive / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pericarditis, Constrictive / surgery