Heart

Pericardial Recess

  • Spaces within the pericardium formed by reflections of the pericardium

  • Can become fluid filled = basically a cyst in the pericardium

  • Different names and sources based on where the fluid came from - nobody cares and too much to really memorize

Eustachian Valve

  • Fetal remnant tissue at IVC-RA junction that can be mistake for a thrombus or atrial mass

SPECT Myocardial Perfusion Studies

  • When to use

    • Intermediate to high likelihood of coronary artery disease

    • Patients with active chest pain, non-ischemic EKG and negative troponin

Cardiac Aneurysm (LV Aneursym)

  • Does contain all 3 wall layers

  • Most commonly at apex

  • Wide neck and wide distal balloon

Cardiac Pseudo-aneurysm (LV Pseudo-aneursym)

  • Does not contain all 3 wall layers

  • Basically a myocardial rupture that is contained by epicardium or pericardium

  • Most commonly at lateral and inferior walls

  • Narrow neck with distal balloon

References:

  • Case courtesy of Andrew Dixon, Radiopaedia.org, rID: 55524 (pericardial recess)

  • Eustachian valve