Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

What condition is indicated by equalization of RVEDP and LVEDP?

1. Constrictive pericarditis

2. Cardiomyopathy

3. Restrictive pericarditis

4. Heart failure

The correct answer is: Restrictive pericarditis

The condition indicated by equalization of right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP) and left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) is consistent with restrictive pericarditis. In this condition, the pericardial space becomes thickened and fibrotic, which limits the heart's ability to expand and fill adequately during diastole. This results in the equalization of pressures between the right and left heart compartments, as the filling pressures become similar due to the restricted filling and compliance of the heart chambers. When the heart is subjected to the pathological changes associated with restrictive pericarditis, it adopts a hemodynamic profile that reflects impaired diastolic filling. As a result, both ventricles cannot properly accommodate their respective volumes, causing pressure equalization. In contrast, other conditions like constrictive pericarditis, cardiomyopathy, or heart failure have different hemodynamic profiles. For instance, constrictive pericarditis typically presents with specific patterns differing from those seen in restrictive pericarditis, particularly in terms of diastolic pressures and symptoms related to volume overload. Therefore, recognizing the unique biventricular pressure equalization associated with restrictive pericarditis helps distinguish it