CT and MR Imaging and Pericardial Disease

A recently published review article in Radiology looks at the value of CT and MR imaging in diagnosing pericard ial disease. 

Diagnosis of related diseases has improved in recent years, largely due to the availability of several noninvasive cardiac imaging modalities. Transthoracic echocardiography, which combines structural and physiologic assessment, is the first-line technique for examination of patients suspected of having or known to have pericardial disease; however, cardiac computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging are becoming increasingly popular for the study of this part of the heart. 

Multidetector CT is the ideal modality  for depiction of pericardial calcifications. MR imaging is probably the best imaging modality for the acquisition of a comprehensive view of the pericardial abnormalities. 

The article aims to clarify the role of the pericardium and its interaction with the rest of the heart in normal and pathologic conditions. It focuses on the insights about pericardial disease provided by modern imaging modalities, which includes reconsideration of evidence that has thus far been taken for granted.

 

Reference: Boaert J, Francone M. Pericardial disease: value of CT and MR imaging. Radiology May 2013 Radiology, 267, 340-356. doi:10.1148/radiol.13121059