Piyaporn Boonsirikamchai MD, Presenter: Nothing to Disclose

Chitra Viswanathan MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Myrna Cobos Barco Godoy MD,PhD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Reginald F. Munden MD, DMD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Edith Michelle Marom MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

Mylene Thi Mytien Truong MD, Abstract Co-Author: Nothing to Disclose

1. To review anatomy of the pericardium 2. To illustrate CT imaging of pericardial sinuses and recesses including their variations that can potentially be misinterpreted as adenopathy 3. To discuss the important imaging characteristics to help differentiate pericardial recesses from adenopathy  

Normal anatomy of pericardium Pericardial sinuses and recesses 1. Transverse sinus      – Superior and inferior aortic recesses      – Right and left pulmonic recesses      – Postcaval recess 2.  Oblique sinus 3.  Right and left pulmonary venous recesses Potential pitfalls

The capability of multidetector CT to obtain volumetric data with high resolution and decreased respiratory and cardiac motion artifacts results in the routine visualization of the pericardial recesses, even in the absence of abnormal pericardial fluid accumulation. In oncologic imaging, misinterpretation of pericardial recesses as adenopathy can lead to inaccurate clinical staging, and, consequently, inappropriate management. A comprehensive understanding of pericardial anatomy together with the utilization of multiplanar reformation enables improved diagnostic accuracy.  

Boonsirikamchai, P, Viswanathan, C, Godoy, M, Munden, R, Marom, E, Truong, M, Anatomy of Pericardial Recesses on CT: Implications for Oncologic Imaging.  Radiological Society of North America 2012 Scientific Assembly and Annual Meeting, November 25 - November 30, 2012 ,Chicago IL. http://archive.rsna.org/2012/12027783.html