Constrictive pericarditis from an embolized hypodermic needle: radiographic, CT and MR imaging findings
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026

Cardiac Magnetic Resonance for the Evaluation of Suspected Cardiac Thrombus: Conventional and Emerging Techniques
Published on: June 11, 2019
J C Trent1, T K Lau, A Kawashima
1Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston TX 77030, USA.
Abstract:
We present the radiographic, computed tomographic (CT), and magnetic resonance (MR) findings in a woman with constrictive pericarditis due to an embolized hypodermic needle. The chest films revealed pleural effusions but no foreign body. The CT showed pericardial thickening and a linear foreign body of metallic attenuation in the right ventricular apex, and MR imaging revealed a signal void with magnetic susceptibility artifact. This case illustrates the capabilities and limitations of CT and MR imaging in hypodermic needle-induced constrictive pericarditis.
Related Concept Videos
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
Mitral Stenosis II: Clinical features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
