Computed tomography in constrictive pericardial disease.

Thirteen patients with pericardial abnormalities and a question of constrictive hemodynamics underwent contrast enhanced cardiac computed tomography (CT). Those with clinical and catheterization evidence of restricted cardiac filling demonstrated three CT signs: a dilated IVC, a deformed ventricular contour, and an angulated interventricular septum. Patients with pericardial fluid, thickening, or calcification but without evidence of constriction showed none of these signs. Cardiac CT also defined sites of particular constriction for subsequent resection.