Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...

Location and Orientation of the Heart

Location and Orientation of the Heart

The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.

Layers of the Heart Wall

Layers of the Heart Wall

The heart wall comprises three distinct layers: the epicardium, myocardium, and endocardium. The outermost layer, the epicardium, is the visceral layer of the serous pericardium, featuring a thin, transparent mesothelial surface and an inner layer of areolar connective tissue with fat deposits that increase with age.
The myocardium, the thickest layer, consists of cardiac muscle cells interconnected by intercalated discs and crisscrossing connective tissue fibers. These muscle fibers contract...

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...

Anatomy of the Heart

Anatomy of the Heart

The heart is a hollow, muscular organ approximately the size of a fist, consisting of four chambers. It is enclosed in the pericardium, a fibrous sac with two layers: the visceral and parietal pericardium, separated by a fluid-filled space containing serous fluid to reduce friction.
The heart has three layers: the innermost endocardium, the muscular myocardium, and the outer epicardium, all working together for optimal cardiac function.
Chambers of the Heart
The heart is made up of four...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Editorial on computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity in England: insights from the diagnostic imaging dataset.

Clinical radiology·2025

Same author

The RCR credential in breast disease management for breast clinicians: from training concept to service delivery within the breast imaging team.

Clinical radiology·2022

Same author

Radiology training. What good looks like, now and in the future.

Clinical radiology·2022

Same author

Diagnostic utility of additional whole-chest CT as part of an acute abdominal pain CT imaging pathway during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Clinical radiology·2020

Same author

The safe practice of CT coronary angiography in adult patients in UK imaging departments.

Clinical radiology·2016

Same author

Cardiac MR assessment of microvascular obstruction.

The British journal of radiology·2014

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

Pericardial disease--anatomy and function.

C R Peebles¹, J S Shambrook, S P Harden

¹Department of Cardiothoracic Radiology, Southampton General Hospital, Southampton University Hospitals NHS Trust, Tremona Road, Southampton, UK. Charles.peebles@suht.swest.nhs.uk

The British Journal of Radiology

|June 23, 2012

Summary

Cardiac imaging for pericardial disease is challenging. This review explores how cardiac MRI and CT provide detailed views of the pericardium, overcoming echocardiography

More Related Videos

Delivery of Cardioactive Therapeutics in a Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model

Delivery of Cardioactive Therapeutics in a Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model

Published on: February 10, 2023

The Isolation and Culture of Primary Epicardial Cells Derived from Human Adult and Fetal Heart Specimens

The Isolation and Culture of Primary Epicardial Cells Derived from Human Adult and Fetal Heart Specimens

Published on: April 24, 2018

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model

Published on: September 2, 2021

Delivery of Cardioactive Therapeutics in a Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model

Delivery of Cardioactive Therapeutics in a Porcine Myocardial Infarction Model

Published on: February 10, 2023

The Isolation and Culture of Primary Epicardial Cells Derived from Human Adult and Fetal Heart Specimens

The Isolation and Culture of Primary Epicardial Cells Derived from Human Adult and Fetal Heart Specimens

Published on: April 24, 2018

Area of Science:

Cardiovascular Imaging
Radiology
Cardiac Pathology

Background:

Pericardial disease diagnosis presents imaging challenges.
Echocardiography, while first-line, has limitations in visualizing the pericardium and extracardiac structures.
Advancements in cardiac MRI and CT offer improved diagnostic capabilities.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the utility of CT and MRI in diagnosing pericardial disease.
To illustrate typical imaging findings of healthy and diseased pericardium.
To compare the strengths and weaknesses of CT and MRI modalities.

Main Methods:

Review of CT and MRI imaging findings in pericardial disease.
Illustration of typical appearances across various conditions.
Exploration of functional imaging techniques.

Main Results:

Cardiac CT and MRI demonstrate significant advancements in pericardial imaging.
These modalities offer comprehensive visualization of the pericardium and surrounding structures.
Specific imaging findings for diverse pericardial conditions are presented.

Conclusions:

Cardiac CT and MRI are crucial tools for investigating pericardial disease.
They complement echocardiography by overcoming its limitations.
Understanding the merits of each modality aids in optimal patient management.