Groves Robert, Chan Danielle, Zagurovskaya Marianna, Teague Shawn D
Department of Radiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1250 E Marshall St, Richmond, VA 23219, USA.
Department of Radiology, Indiana University, 550 North University Boulevard, Room 0663, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA.
Magn Reson Imaging Clin N Am. 2015 Feb;23(1):81-7. doi: 10.1016/j.mric.2014.09.003.
Abnormal thickening or rigidity of the pericardium may compromise normal cardiac function. This condition is known as pericardial constriction, or constrictive pericarditis. Several imaging modalities are used to evaluate the pericardium, including MR, computed tomography, and echocardiography, which can all play a complementary role aiding diagnosis. This article focuses on MR imaging and its role in the detection and evaluation of pericardial constriction. MR imaging has many advantages compared with other modalities including precise delineation of the pericardial thickness, evaluation of ventricular function, detection of wall motion abnormalities, and provision of information about common (and potentially harmful) sequelae of pericardial constriction.
