How do you diagnose constrictive pericarditis?

Cath/MRI: Constrictive pericarditis can be suggested by findings on physical exam, chest x-ray and echocardiogram. A cardiac catheterization can provide more conclusive data. A cardiac magnetic resonance image (MRI) is perhaps the gold standard fro measuring the pericardium and diagnosing constrictive pericarditis. A cardiac ct can also be helpful.

Echo or Cath: History, swelling and venous congestion of head, neck liver, etc. Study by echo may suggest cardiac cath and pressure measurements confirm.