The usefulness of three-dimensional multidetector computed tomography to delineate pericardial calcification in constrictive pericarditis

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare heart disease but potentially curable with pericardiectomy. Conventional image modalities such as echocardiography, CT and MRI have been used as useful diagnostics for constrictive pericarditis. However, they have limitations in delineating accurate extent of calcified pericardium three-dimensionally (3-D) to aid the surgical management to release the constricted chambers. We present a patient with typical severe extensive myopericardial calcifications visualized by 3-D multidetector CT who was successfully treated by pericardiectomy.