Heart in an eggshell Eggshell appearance calcified constrictive pericarditis demonstrated by three-dimensional images of multislice computed tomography

We describe a patient who presented with highly calcified eggshell-like constrictive pericarditis. Electrocardiogram-gated multislice computed tomography showed the degree and configuration of calcification in the pericardium and could be used to evaluate cardiac motion restrictions by calcified pericardium visually in 4D. The results described show a novel condition, a cardiac constriction by extensive calcification of the pericardium, and compression of the inferior wall of the LV due to a mass, thought to be a hematoma, located inside the pericardium.