Which imaging study may help in the diagnosis of pericarditis?

A CT scan is highly informative in the diagnosis of pericarditis because it provides detailed images of the pericardium, the fibrous sac surrounding the heart. This imaging technique can help identify conditions associated with pericarditis, such as pericardial effusion (the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space), thickening of the pericardial sac, and any inflammatory processes. An enhanced CT scan may show the pericardium's characteristics and any abnormalities present, facilitating the diagnosis and assessment of the severity of the condition.

Other imaging modalities have limited roles. For example, while a chest X-ray can show gross abnormalities, such as significant pericardial effusion, it often lacks the resolution to provide specific details about the inflammatory process or other subtleties. An EEG evaluates electrical activity in the heart but does not provide structural information about the pericardium, making it irrelevant for diagnosing pericarditis. Similarly, an MRI of the brain is unrelated to cardiac assessment and does not aid in diagnosing pericarditis, as it focuses solely on brain structures. Thus, the CT scan emerges as the most useful imaging study for diagnosing this condition.