Registered Cardiovascular Invasive Specialist (RCIS) Practice Test

What does constrictive pericarditis cause regarding filling pressures?

1. Increased left ventricular pressure

2. Equalization of RVEDP and LVEDP

3. Decreased cardiac output

4. Increased stroke volume

The correct answer is: Equalization of RVEDP and LVEDP

Constrictive pericarditis leads to a situation where the pericardium becomes thickened and fibrous, restricting the heart's ability to expand fully during diastole. This restriction in filling creates a unique physiological state where the filling pressures of both the right and left ventricles begin to equalize. In a healthy heart, there is normally a difference between left ventricular end-diastolic pressure (LVEDP) and right ventricular end-diastolic pressure (RVEDP). However, in constrictive pericarditis, due to the restricted filling caused by the stiff pericardium, the increased pressure in the right atrium, caused by right ventricle's limited ability to fill, leads to equalization of these pressures across the ventricles. This phenomenon is significant in the diagnosis of constrictive pericarditis and helps clinicians consider appropriate treatment options. In contrast, while increased left ventricular pressure can be observed in various cardiac conditions, it does not specifically characterize constrictive pericarditis. Similarly, decreased cardiac output and increased stroke volume are not specific outcomes of this condition; in fact, constrictive pericarditis typically results in decreased cardiac output due to impaired filling, so these responses do not align