Multi-Modality Cardiac Imaging for Pericardial Diseases: A Contemporary Review

Abstract

Advances in multi-modality cardiac imaging have aided the evaluation, surveillance and treatment guidance of pericardial diseases, which have traditionally been a challenging group of conditions to manage. Although echocardiography remains the first-line imaging modality to assess the pericardium, both computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) have valuable complimentary roles. It is critical for clinicians to have a clear understanding of the utilities, advantages and disadvantages of these cardiac imaging modalities in pericardial pathologies. This contemporary review provides an update regarding the applications of multi-modality cardiac imaging in the evaluation of pericardial syndromes including acute/recurrent pericarditis, effusion/tamponade, constriction, masses and congenital anomalies.