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Utility of multimodality cardiac imaging in disorders of the pericardium

Echo Research & Practice volume 5, pages R37–R48 (2018)Cite this article

Abstract

Disorders of the pericardium represent a diverse range of conditions that traditionally may not have received the same level of attention by cardiologists and physicians, owing partly to a lack of research into advanced diagnostic modalities, and limited, evidencebased treatment options. In recent years, there has been a timely resurgence of interest in pericardial diseases, in particular pericarditis. This is attributable to advances in multimodality cardiovascular imaging, in particular cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR), which may help guide treatment decisions for patients with pericardial syndromes. Additionally, increased research and understanding of the pathophysiological basis of pericarditis have shed light on the role of inflammation in pericarditis. This knowledge may help identify potential specific treatment targets. This article aims to provide a practical review of the role of multimodality cardiovascular imaging (echocardiography, multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT), CMR) in pericardial conditions, focusing on the strengths and potential limitations of each imaging modality.

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  1. Section of Cardiovascular Imaging, Center for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Pericardial Diseases, Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Bo Xu MB BS (Hons), Serge C. Harb MD & Allan L. Klein MD

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  1. Bo Xu MB BS (Hons)
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  2. Serge C. Harb MD
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  3. Allan L. Klein MD
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Correspondence to Allan L. Klein MD.

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Xu, B., Harb, S.C. & Klein, A.L. Utility of multimodality cardiac imaging in disorders of the pericardium. Echo Res Pract 5, R37–R48 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1530/ERP-18-0019

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