Role of computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging in diagnosing pericardial lesions

In this research, patients who had pericardial lesions are imaged by either CT or MRI and the purpose of this paper is to discuss which imaging modality should be used in the assessment of patients with different pericardial diseases. Thirty patients ranging in age between 3 months and 46 years diagnosed as having pericardial lesions by transthoracic echocardiography were prospectively studied. All patients were examined by history taking, chest X-ray, clinical examination, transthoracic echocardiography, Multidetector CT and/or magnetic resonance imaging. Several types of lesions were identified including constrictive pericarditis (n = 10), pericardial simple effusion (n = 9), pericardial tumors (n = 5), pericardial abscess (n = 4), pericardial hemorrhage (n = 4) and one case of pericardial cyst. Three patients had combined lesions. CT and MR imaging should be used when findings at echocardiography are difficult to interpret, inconclusive or conflict with clinical findings. CT is better used for the assessment of postoperative cases while MRI is superior in detecting and diagnosing pericardiac masses and constrictive pericarditis. Also, because of radiation involving CT scan should be avoided in children if possible but has the advantage of fast imaging speed and often no need for sedation of patients and children.