Question:

For detecting pericardial calcification, which is the best investigation?

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Calcium loves X-rays - CT is the best test for pericardial calcification.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • MRI
  • Transesophageal echocardiography
  • USG
  • CT scan
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Calcium is a high-density material that strongly attenuates X-rays, so any modality based on X-ray attenuation will show calcium with excellent contrast.

Step 2: CT scanning has very high spatial resolution and is exquisitely sensitive to calcification. It is the best method for depicting pericardial calcification, which is an important clue to constrictive pericarditis in the right clinical setting.

Step 3: MRI is excellent for soft tissue and for measuring pericardial thickness and physiology, but it is poor at displaying calcium, which appears as a signal void. Echocardiography (including transesophageal) and USG are limited by acoustic windows and are not reliable for quantifying calcification.

Step 4: Therefore CT scan is the investigation of choice for pericardial calcification.
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