CT and MR Imaging of Pericardial Disease

Zhen J. Wang, Gautham P. Reddy, Michael B. Gotway, Benjamin M. Yeh, Steven W. Hetts, Charles B. Higgins

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

295 Scopus citations

Abstract

In the evaluation of pericardial disease, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging traditionally have been used as adjuncts to echocardiography. However, CT and MR imaging are particularly useful as sensitive and noninvasive methods for evaluating loculated or hemorrhagic pericardial effusion, constrictive pericarditis, and pericardial masses. Both CT and MR imaging provide excellent delineation of the pericardial anatomy and can aid in the precise localization and characterization of various pericardial lesions, including effusion, constrictive pericarditis and pericardial thickening, pericardial masses, and congenital anomalies such as partial or complete absence of the pericardium. Both modalities provide a larger field of view than does echocardiography, allowing the examination of the entire chest and detection of associated abnormalities in the mediastinum and lungs. Soft-tissue contrast on CT scans and MR images also is superior to that on echocardiograms. Given the many potential applications of these modalities in the evaluation of pericardial diseases, familiarity with the CT and MR imaging features of these diseases is important.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)S167-S180
JournalRadiographics
Volume23
Issue numberSPEC. ISS
DOIs
StatePublished - Oct 2003

Keywords

  • Heart, MR, 50.1214, 55.1214
  • Mediastinum, MR, 60.1214
  • Pericarditis, 55.824
  • Pericardium, CT, 55.1211
  • Pericardium, abnormalities, 55.194, 55.30, 55.41
  • Pericardium, fluid, 55.82

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Radiology Nuclear Medicine and imaging

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