Imaging of Pericardial Disease.

Although the pericardium is simply a 2-layered membrane enveloping the heart and great vessels, there are numerous anatomic variations, congenital anomalies, and pathologic conditions that can occur. Although echocardiography is most often the first imaging modality used to assess the pericardium, computed tomography and MR imaging are frequently being used to aid in diagnosis and assess response to therapy. Therefore, detailed knowledge of the pericardium in both its normal and diseased states is important to best direct patient care and potentially improve patient outcomes.