Cardiac and Pericardiac Imaging for the Chest Radiologist

Abstract

A number of imaging techniques are available for evaluating the thorax. Currently, conventional and digital chest radiography, multidetector-row computed tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely used. The particular focus of the chest radiologist is imaging of the lungs, mediastinum, chest wall, and large vessels, with less attention given to the interpretation of cardiac and pericardiac diseases. The purpose of this article is to draw attention to those cardiac/pericardial diseases that can be detected on MDCT and MRI of the chest. A short description of the technology will be provided, followed by a discussion of the normal cardiovascular anatomy and the presentation of case material to illustrate the most common diseases that can be diagnosed.