Computerized tomography of the pericardium

46 patients with various pericardial diseases were studied by computed tomography [CT] and the results were compared with that of chest radiography and echocardiography. CT readily did not identify the normal pericardium only but was of great value in the diagnosis of pericardial effusions [29 cases], thickened pericardium [4 cases], pericardial calcifications [12 cases] and one case of pericardial cyst. CT was important in the evaluation of constrictive pericarditis and in differentiating restrictive from constractive cardiomyopathy. CT also allowed for simultaneous proper demonstration of adjacent lungs and mediastinum for possible associated pathological conditions