What are typical echo findings with constrictive pericarditis?

In constrictive pericarditis, one of the hallmark echocardiographic findings is the flattening of the left ventricular (LV) posterior wall seen on M-mode. This occurs due to the rigidity of the pericardium, which limits the diastolic filling of the heart and can lead to abnormal motion of the LV walls. The wall flattening reflects the altered dynamics of the heart as it attempts to fill, leading to abnormal pressures in the chamber that can result in a characteristic pattern in echocardiography.

This alteration in wall motion is important diagnostically because it distinguishes constrictive pericarditis from other forms of heart disease that may present with similar symptoms but have different underlying pathophysiologies. Clinicians use this finding in conjunction with other echo characteristics to make accurate diagnoses and guide management.