ABSTRACT
The pericardium is visible in each of the standard imaging planes of the heart. This chapter discusses the echo appearances of the normal pericardium. The causes and management of pericardial effusion are described, together with the echo assessment (including how to distinguish between pericardial and pleural effusions). Cardiac tamponade is discussed, and the key echo features are presented. This chapter also describes pericardial constriction, including its clinical features and echo assessment, and discusses how to differentiate between pericardial constriction and restrictive cardiomyopathy. Finally, other pericardial abnormalities including congenital absence of the pericardium, pericardial cysts and pericardial tumours are discussed.
