Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Pericarditis chest x ray
Introduction
Overview
Overview
A flask-shaped, enlarged cardiac silhouette will be observed on chest x-ray in pericarditis complicated with pericardial effusion or tamponade. A mass may also be seen when malignancy is the cause. Calcification of pericardium may be noted in constrictive pericarditis.
Uncomplicated Pericarditis
Uncomplicated Pericarditis
In uncomplicated pericarditis, in the absence of a pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade, the heart will not be enlarged on chest x ray.
Complicated Pericarditis
Complicated Pericarditis
A flask-shaped, enlarged cardiac silhouette will be observed on chest X ray in the setting of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.
Chest X Ray Examples
Chest X Ray Examples
Images shown below are courtesy of RadsWiki
Pericardial Masses
Pericardial Masses
Pericardial Calcification
Pericardial Calcification
References
References
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]