Magnetic resonance imaging of the superior pericardial recesses

The potential of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the superior pericardial space was evaluated in a retrospective review of MR images of 46 subjects. The superior pericardial space and its two recesses had low signal intensity. The preaortic recess was demonstrated on 82% of nongated transverse scans. The retroaortic recess was demonstrated on 67% of nongated transverse scans. Generally, both recesses were shown with an even higher frequency on ECG-gated and ECG-permutation-gated scans. Knowledge of the location and typical appearance of these pericardial recesses should preclude mistaking them on MRI for a vascular structure, aortic dissection, or an atherosclerotic plaque or mural thrombus within the ascending aorta.
CiteULike    Complore    Connotea    Del.icio.us    Digg    Reddit    Technorati    What's this?

This article has been cited by other articles:

				Z. J. Wang, G. P. Reddy, M. B. Gotway, B. M. Yeh, S. W. Hetts, and C. B. Higgins CT and MR Imaging of Pericardial Disease RadioGraphics, October 1, 2003; 23(90001): S167 - 180. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]