58. Case Report: Constrictive Pericarditis – University of Tennessee

CardioNerds (Amit Goyal & Daniel Ambinder) join join University of Tennessee cardiology fellows (Rachel Goodwin, Emmanuel Isang, and William Black) for some chocolate cake and hikes in the Smoky Mountains! They discuss a fascinating case of constrictive pericarditis. Dr. Tjuan Overly provides the E-CPR and a message for applicants. Episode notes were developed by Johns Hopkins internal medicine resident Evelyn Song with mentorship from University of Maryland cardiology fellow Karan Desai.  

Jump to: Patient summary - Case figures & media - Case teaching - References - Production team

Episode graphic by Dr. Carine Hamo

The CardioNerds Cardiology Case Reports series shines light on the hidden curriculum of medical storytelling. We learn together while discussing fascinating cases in this fun, engaging, and educational format. Each episode ends with an “Expert CardioNerd Perspectives & Review” (E-CPR) for a nuanced teaching from a content expert. We truly believe that hearing about a patient is the singular theme that unifies everyone at every level, from the student to the professor emeritus.

We are teaming up with the ACC FIT Section to use the #CNCR episodes to showcase CV education across the country in the era of virtual recruitment. As part of the recruitment series, each episode features fellows from a given program discussing and teaching about an interesting case as well as sharing what makes their hearts flutter about their fellowship training. The case discussion is followed by both an E-CPR segment and a message from the program director.

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Patient Summary

A man in his late 40s with a history of renal failure secondary to IgA nephropathy and now status post a kidney transplant 10-15 years ago was referred by hepatology for evaluation of recurrent ascites and LE edema. He appeared grossly volume overloaded on exam with JVP elevated past the mandible, RV heave, and 2+ pitting edema. TTE demonstrated LVEF of 55-60%, RVSP 40mmHg, abnormal septal motion with respiration, and respirophasic variation in mitral inflow across the mitral valve raising the suspicion for constrictive pericarditis. RHC pressures demonstrated a mean RA pressure of 20mmHg, RV 40/25mmHg, PA 38/30mmHg (mean 32 mmHg) and PCWP mean of 26 with V-waves at 28 mmHg. Simultaneous LV and RV pressure tracings showed ventricular discordance with respirophasic variation, consistent with constrictive physiology. Patient underwent pericardiectomy with markedly improved heart failure symptoms. Repeat TTE showed no evidence of constriction. 

Case Media

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A. ECGB. Pulsed-wave Doppler spectrum of tricuspid inflow velocities demonstrates a marked respiratory variation (In irregular rhythms, such as the atrial fibrillation seen here, respirophasic changes may still be seen but are confounded by the varying R-R interval)C. Simultaneous LV and RV pressure tracings showing discordance with respirophasic variation

Apical 4-chamber view demonstrating abnormal septal motion due to interventricular dependence – dissociation of thoracic and cardiac chamber pressures leads to increased RV filling during inspiration

Short axis view of the LV demonstrating a D-shaped interventricular septum during inspiration.  Note the presence of a pericardial effusion as well.

Episode Schematics & Teaching

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The CardioNerds 5! – 5 major takeaways from the #CNCR case

The initial presentation clinically seemed to be right greater than left heart failure. What are the signs and common causes of right heart failure?   

The signs and symptoms of RHF are often similar to left-sided CHF, but may describe more severe dyspnea on exertion,