[Value of magnetic resonance imaging in 2 cases of annular constriction of the ventricles].

Chronic pericarditis can take the form of localised annular bands constricting the atrioventricular grooves, the pulmonary infundibulum and, rarely, the atria. The authors report two cases of pericardial bands surrounding the ventricles and involving the atrioventricular groove resulting in a biloculation of the left ventricle. One case was complicated by adiastole and one by mitral regurgitation due to involvement of the posterior mitral leaflet. Magnetic resonance imaging gave precise definition of these bands and of their extension into the myocardium. This investigation was a valuable complement before surgery of the localised constriction.