CXR: Heart and Pericardium

In this session on chest radiography, Dr. Mark Parker from Virginia Commonwealth University covers the heart and pericardium. Dr. Parker discusses the normal cardiac chambers in frontal and lateral radiographs, the cardiothoracic ratio, and conditions such as microcardia. Dr. Parker explains the impact of increased workload on the myocardium, leading to chamber enlargement and heart failure. He details the appearance of various cardiac chambers on radiographs, emphasizing signs of left ventricular hypertrophy and other abnormalities. Additionally, he touches on pericardial effusions and their radiographic manifestations. The presentation provides a foundational understanding for recognizing cardiac diseases and pathology in chest radiography.