ABSTRACT
The term cardiomegaly is used to describe enlargement of the heart. The term is also applied when describing a large cardiac silhouette on radiographs. Apparent cardiomegaly (on radiographs) can occur when fluid or a mass lesion distends the pericardium, as well as when the heart itself is enlarged. Sometimes, excessive intrapericardial fat mimics the appearance of cardiomegaly, if the cardiac border is not seen as distinct from the fat density (see 37, p.37).
