Evaluation of pericardial sinuses and recesses by radiographic contrast agent

Abstract

The pericardial cavity is a potential space between inner visceral and outer parietal layer of serous pericardium. The reflection of these two serosal layers around the arterial and venous ends of heart results into formation of various sinuses and recesses. We hereby describe a case of hemopericardium, in which various pericardial sinuses and recesses were delineated by radiographic contrast injection though a pigtail catheter in pericardial cavity. The applied anatomical knowledge of these sinuses and recesses has been discussed in the article.

Keywords

• Hemopericardium
• Cardiac tamponade
• Myocardial free wall rupture
• Myocardial infarction
• Pericardial imaging
• Pericardial sinuses