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CT dimensions of the normal pericardium
R K Bull1, P D Edwards, A K Dixon
1Department of Radiology, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge, UK.
The British Journal of Radiology
|April 9, 1999
Summary
High-resolution CT scans reveal the normal pericardium (heart sac) is thinner than previously thought. The thinnest part measures 0.7 mm on 1 mm slices, suggesting 1 mm HRCT is optimal for visualization.
Area of Science:
- Radiology
- Cardiovascular Imaging
- Anatomy
Background:
- Previous estimates of the normal pericardium's thinnest portion upper limit were 3-4 mm.
- These estimates were based on 10 mm CT slices and limited by small sample sizes and suboptimal imaging parameters.
Purpose of the Study:
- To accurately measure the width of the thinnest portion of the normal pericardium.
- To compare measurements obtained using standard 10 mm CT slices versus 1 mm high-resolution CT (HRCT) slices.
- To establish optimal CT parameters for pericardial visualization.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving 200 patients (100 with 10 mm CT slices, 100 with 1 mm HRCT slices).
- Utilized modern CT equipment with fixed mediastinal window settings (400/20).
- Pericardium visualization was assessed, particularly anterior to the heart.
Main Results:
- The pericardium was identifiable in all patients.
- 1 mm HRCT slices provided superior visualization of the pericardium compared to 10 mm slices.
- The upper limit of the thinnest normal pericardium was determined to be 1.2 mm (mean + 2 SD) using 10 mm slices and 0.7 mm using 1 mm HRCT slices.
Conclusions:
- The normal pericardium is significantly thinner than previously reported, with an upper limit of 0.7 mm on 1 mm HRCT.
- 1 mm HRCT represents an optimal technique for visualizing the pericardium.
- Findings align with anatomical data, refining diagnostic criteria for pericardial conditions.