Figure 38 j

MRI scan (spin-echo image) from a patient with constrictive pericarditis. The pericardium is viewed as a Line of low signal intensity (black) sandwiched between higher-intensity epicardial and pericardial fat (white). Note the regional variation of pericardial thickness, which is normally 1 to 2 mm.

(From Hoit BD. Pericardial disease and pericardial heart disease. In: ORourke RA ed. Stein's Internal Medicine, 5th ed. St. Louis, Missouri: MosbyYear Book;1998:273.