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Established and Emerging Techniques for Pericardial Imaging with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance

  • Cardiac PET, CT, and MRI (P Cremer, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Pericardial diseases include a wide range of pathologies and their diagnosis can often be challenging. The goal of this review is to describe the established and emerging CMR imaging techniques used in the assessment of common pericardial diseases and explain the role of pericardial characterization in their diagnosis and management.

Recent Findings

CMR is indicated in cases of diagnostic uncertainty and for a comprehensive evaluation of the pericardium and its impact on the heart. This includes assessment of pericardial anatomy and associated cardiac hemodynamics, quantification and characterization of an effusion, disease staging, tissue characterization, guiding management, and even prognostication in some diseases of the pericardium.

Summary

An emerging technique, pericardial characterization, utilizes various sequences to diagnose and stage pericardial inflammation, act as a biomarker in recurrent pericarditis, and guide management in inflammatory pericardial conditions. Beyond imaging, it has ushered in an era of tailored therapy for patients with pericardial diseases. Future directions should aim at exploring the role of tissue characterization in various pericardial diseases.

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  1. Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, 1001 Decarie Boulevard, Montreal, QC, H4A3J1, Canada

    Ria Garg & Michael Chetrit

  2. Department of Cardiology, Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Mauricie-et-du-Centre-du-Québec, Trois Rivières, Canada

    Ezequiel Guzzetti

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Garg, R., Guzzetti, E. & Chetrit, M. Established and Emerging Techniques for Pericardial Imaging with Cardiac Magnetic Resonance. Curr Cardiol Rep 23, 169 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-021-01595-z

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