[Early postoperative constrictive pericarditis: value of echocardiography. Report of 4 cases]

In the present study, four cases of early postoperative constrictive pericarditis have been described which serve as a basis for recalling the current main echographic features of this disorder: pericardial thickening, abnormal septal movement with inspiratory expansion of the right ventricle, respiratory variations in ventricular filling, characteristic modifications in the supra-hepatic pulmonary venous flow, and pulmonary insufficiency. Some hypotheses have also been presented on the possible etiology of this disease. The necessity of making a precise and rapid diagnosis, which should also be confirmed by catheterization to ensure the appropriateness of therapy, has been emphasized. Pericardectomy can determine the long-term prognosis.