title: CT and MR imaging of pericardial disease.
abstract: The diagnosis and therapy of pericardial diseases are still a physician's challenge. Advanced CT and MR imaging technologies can display the complete morphology of the heart and the pericardium and of the adjacent thoracic structures with a spatial and contrast resolution below 1 mm. All the macromorphologic determinants of pericardial constriction and their functional sequels may be identified by these remarkable technologies. A careful systematic image analysis defines not only a precise diagnosis but also determines the optimal surgical or conservative therapy for the individual patient and minimizes the risk of perisurgical mortality.
authors.affiliation: Division of General Diagnostic Radiology, Interdisciplinary Cardiac Imaging Centre, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 9, Graz 8036, Austria. rainer.rienmuellerl@meduni-graz.at
authors.forename: Rainer
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Rienmüller
authors.forename: Reinhard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gröll
authors.forename: Martin J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Lipton
mesh_terms: D001284:Atrophy; D003251:Constriction, Pathologic; D003287:Contrast Media; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D010496:Pericardium / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D013902:Radiography, Thoracic; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
chemical_list: D003287:Contrast Media