Pitfalls in Oncologic Imaging: Pericardial Recesses mimicking Adenopathy

The pericardial cavity is made up of multiple pericardial recesses. Fluid accumulation in these recesses can mimic a variety of abnormalities, including mediastinal or hilar adenopathy, mediastinal mass, bronchogenic/pericardial cyst, and aortic dissection. Knowledge of the locations and of the typical and atypical appearances of the pericardial recesses is of utmost importance in oncologic imaging because misinterpretation as adenopathy can alter radiologic staging and, in turn, patient management.

Source: Seminars in Roentgenology - February 3, 2015 Category: Radiology Authors: Girish S. Shroff, Chitra Viswanathan, Myrna C.B. Godoy, Edith M. Marom, Bradley S. Sabloff, Mylene T. Truong Source Type: research