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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
PubMed

Insights

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

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.

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