Constrictive pericarditis can cause systemic venous congestion while the lungs remain clear.

This statement is **true** according to the clinical pattern in the material. Raised systemic venous pressure may produce jugular venous distension, hepatic congestion, ascites, and peripheral oedema, while the lungs remain clear. The combination reflects predominantly systemic venous congestion associated with impaired filling, rather than requiring prominent pulmonary findings. **Key takeaway:** Clear lungs do not exclude significant cardiac disease when systemic venous congestion is present. **Glossary:** **Ascites**: fluid accumulation in the abdomen. **Hepatic congestion**: impaired drainage causing excess blood in the liver.