On MRI, normal pericardium appears as a thin dark band that is bordered by a bright band on both sides on T1 weighted spin imaging. These surrounding bright bands are associated with the surrounding epicardial and pericardial fat. Following the administration of gadolinium, pericardium may appear thick and inflamed in the setting of pericarditis. Lower intensity signal is observed in constrictive pericarditis than in acute pericarditis. Comprehensive visualization of the LV endocardium and the physiologic consequences of abnormal pericardial thickening can also be obtained without exposure to ionizing radiation.
Pericarditis MRI
Endocarditis MRI
Myocarditis MRI
Constrictive pericarditis MRI
Endocarditis CT
Pericarditis laboratory studies
Constrictive pericarditis CT scan
Left ventricular aneurysm CT