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Computerized acoustic cardiographic insights into the pericardial knock in constrictive pericarditis

Andrew D Michaels1, Mohan N Viswanathan, Mark V Jordan

  • 1Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84132-2401, USA. andrew.michaels@hsc.utah.edu

Clinical Cardiology
|September 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Computerized acoustic cardiography can detect the pericardial knock, an early diastolic sound characteristic of constrictive pericarditis. This non-invasive tool aids in diagnosing this challenging condition and monitoring treatment effectiveness.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Medical Devices
  • Diagnostic Tools

Background:

  • Constrictive pericarditis diagnosis is challenging.
  • The pericardial knock is a key auscultatory finding.
  • Accurate detection of the pericardial knock is difficult.

Observation:

  • A case series utilized computerized acoustic cardiography (Audicor).
  • Three patients with constrictive pericarditis were studied.
  • The device was used during cardiac catheterization.

Findings:

  • Acoustic cardiography identified pericardial knocks missed on physical exam.
  • Time-frequency analysis revealed high-frequency components of the knock.
  • Two patients showed resolution of the knock post-pericardiectomy.

Implications:

  • Computerized acoustic cardiography aids in diagnosing constrictive pericarditis.
  • This non-invasive method improves bedside assessment of diastolic heart failure.
  • It enhances clinicians' ability to identify auscultatory findings.
Abstract

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