A Conundrum Of Diagnostic Analogy Between Constrictive Pericarditis And Pericardial Tamponade

Constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade are two key pathologies of the pericardium. Both increase the intrapericardial pressure and cause adverse effects on the physiological distention and relaxation of the heart's chambers. They share multiple overlapping features and, therefore, can be very challenging to differentiate between the two with regards to clinical presentation and non-invasive imaging techniques. We present a similar case with a diagnostic challenge from the laboratory investigations and non-invasive imaging. We have discussed the pathophysiology with the common and distinguishing features of the two pathologies when there is an ambiguity.