TY - CHAP M1 - Book, Section TI - Chapter 3. Imaging of the Heart and Great Vessels A1 - Ravenel, James G. A2 - Chen, Michael Y.M. A2 - Pope, Thomas L. A2 - Ott, David J. PY - 2011 T2 - Basic Radiology, 2e AB - The heart is often the “forgotten” structure in thoracic imaging studies. Yet a tremendous amount of information regarding cardiac structure and function can be gleaned from careful analysis of studies, regardless of whether they are dedicated to cardiac imaging. This chapter describes the normal radiographic appearance of the heart, pericardium, and great vessels (aorta and pulmonary vessels) and briefly outlines some of the more common pathologic entities in this organ system. Critical evaluation of the findings on the imaging examinations of this region is not possible without paying attention to the lungs, as these two organ systems mirror changes in each other. The most common abnormalities encountered in the cardiovascular system are hypertension, pulmonary arterial hypertension (usually secondary to chronic pulmonary disease), congestive heart failure, atherosclerotic disease, and valvular disease. Less common cardiac and great vessel diseases such as congenital heart disease, neoplasms, and diseases of the pericardium are described in less detail. The last topic, monitoring devices and postoperative changes, is one with which students should be familiar. SN - PB - The McGraw-Hill Companies CY - New York, NY Y2 - 2024/03/28 UR - accessmedicine.mhmedical.com/content.aspx?aid=6668195 ER -