Computed tomography of the abnormal pericardium.

Area of Science:

• Radiology
• Cardiovascular Imaging
• Thoracic Imaging

Background:

• Pericardial disease diagnosis relies on various imaging modalities.
• Computed tomography (CT) offers detailed anatomical visualization.
• Understanding CT findings in pericardial disease is crucial for patient management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report computed tomographic (CT) findings in patients with pericardial disease.
• To highlight the role of CT in identifying pericardial abnormalities.
• To compare CT with echocardiography in characterizing pericardial conditions.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective review of CT scans from 18 patients with documented pericardial disease.
• Analysis of pericardial abnormalities including effusions, thickening, calcification, and masses.
• Comparison of CT findings with echocardiographic data.

Main Results:

• CT visualized the normal pericardium as a thin, curvilinear density.
• Detected pericardial abnormalities included effusions, thickening, calcification, and masses.
• CT provided accurate characterization of pericardial effusions, masses, and thickening.

Conclusions:

• Computed tomography (CT) is valuable for diagnosing pericardial disease.
• CT findings correlate well with echocardiographic assessments.
• CT serves as a complementary tool to echocardiography for comprehensive pericardial evaluation.