Q. Haemodynamic Study of constrictive pericarditis?
Simultaneous right and left heart studies are useful. Due to exaggerated waves in atria, W-shaped atrial pressure tracing will be seen. There will be equalization of end diastolic pressure in all the four chambers of the heart (difference will be less than 5 mm. of Hg.). The ventricular diastolic pressure wave will show the square root sign ("). The end diastolic pressure in both the ventricles will be elevated and almost equal with the difference being less than 5 mm. of Hg. The right ventricular diastolic pressure will be usually more than one third the right ventricular systolic pressure.