[Unusual evolution of myopericarditis: a case report]

Presenting features of constrictive pericarditis, a rare evolution of acute pericardial inflammation, may resemble those of restrictive cardiomyopathy or liver diseases. We describe the case of a 32-year-old man, with a history of myocardial and pericardial inflammation disease, who showed recurrent symptoms and signs of heart failure. For this reason, he underwent complete diagnostic evaluation, including computed tomography, echocardiography with tissue Doppler imaging, and endomyocardial biopsy. Constrictive pericarditis could be correctly diagnosed and the patient underwent pericardiectomy with complete resolution of heart failure. The present case report provides evidence that tissue Doppler echocardiography yields diagnostic information helpful to differentiate between constrictive pericarditis and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Moreover, non-invasive imaging is of value to choose the optimal therapeutic strategy in constrictive cardiomyopathy.