Postcardiotomy Effusive-Constrictive Pericarditis In A 65-Year-Old Man: Noteworthy Echocardiographic Signs

Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (eCP) is a rare entity where constriction of the heart occurs through the visceral pericardium, with concomitant presence of a tense effusion in the pericardial space. We present the case of a 65-year-old patient with shortness of breath and pericardial effusion, 4 months after aortic and mitral valve replacement for Streptococcus agalactiae endocarditis. The present report focuses on the echocardiographic features of constrictive pericarditis (CP) and provides a brief overview of the pathophysiology, work-up, and management guidelines.