Pericarditis chest x ray

Overview
An enlarged cardiac shadow 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
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
The heart will be enlarged on chest X ray in the setting of pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.





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