Incidental findings of pericardial calcification

Abstract

Calcification of the pericardium is a relatively rare finding and often has an uncertain etiology. Incidental findings of pericardial calcification may increase due to widespread application of cardiac computed tomography for the assessment of coronary atherosclerosis in the appropriate clinical setting using coronary artery calcium scoring and/or coronary angiography. Pericardial calcification alone is asymptomatic and is neither necessary nor sufficient for the diagnosis of pericardial constriction. Its presence may suggest of diffused pericardial scarring and consequently, its pathological involvement with pericardial constriction. Calcification of the pericardium must be evaluated with full clinical knowledge to facilitate an accurate diagnosis and an appropriate therapy when required. Our objective is to present a case of asymptomatic pericardial calcification and to discuss the importance of its clinical implications.

Keywords: Pericardial calcification, Constrictive pericarditis, Cardiac computed tomography

Core tip: Pericardial calcification is rare but may be found more often due to the widespread use of cardiac computed tomography for the assessment of coronary atherosclerosis. Pericardial calcification can be seen in the absence of constrictive physiology and therefore, it should be evaluated with full clinical knowledge.