Results:

Baseline LGE pericardial thickness was greater in the group with reversible constrictive pericarditis than in the persistent group (4 ± 1 vs. 2 ± 1 mm, p = 0.001). Qualitative intensity of pericardial LGE was moderate or severe in 93% of the group with reversible disease and in 33% of the persistent disease group (p = 0.002). CMR imaging LGE pericardial thickness ≥3 mm had 86% sensitivity and 80% specificity to predict constrictive pericarditis reversibility. The group with reversible disease also had higher baseline C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate than the persistent disease group (59 ± 52 vs. 12 ± 14 mg/L, p = 0.04 and 49 ± 25 vs. 15 ± 16 mm/h, p = 0.04, respectively). Anti-inflammatory therapy was associated with a reduction in C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and pericardial LGE in the group with reversible constrictive pericarditis, but not in the persistent disease group.