Morphologic Cardiac and Pericardiac Imaging with CT and MRI for the Chest Radiologist

A number of imaging techniques is available for evaluating the thorax. Currently, conventional and digital chest radiography, multidetector-row computer tomography (MDCT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are the most widely used. The chest radiologist generally is especially focussed on imaging the lungs, mediastinum, chest wall, and large vessels. Less attention may be given to interpreting cardiac and pericardial disease. The purpose of this course is to draw attention to cardiac/ pericardial diseases that may be detected on MDCT and MRI of the chest. A short description of technology is provided, then normal cardiovascular anatomy is discussed. Finally, case material is presented to illustrate the most common diseases that can be diagnosed.