Rajan, Celin

We sought to describe incidental imaging features of increased intrapericardial pressure due to pericardial effusion on chest computed tomography (CT) and correlate them with cardiac CT, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and echocardiography. It is important for the radiologist to become familiar with imaging findings of increased intrapericardial pressure in the setting of pericardial effusion when identified on chest CT. Recognizing the imaging findings of increased intrapericardial pressure can better guide the care of these patients.

Nephrocalcinosis consists of deposition of calcium in the renal parenchyma. Renal cortical calcification is a rare entity in comparison to calcium deposits in the medulla and is seen only in a handful of pathologies with corresponding characteristic patterns on imaging. Thin linear calcifications may get deposited in the peripheral renal cortex suggestive of cortical necrosis due to a vascular insult (vasculitis), and rarely due to glomerulonephritis. This pattern of calcification has also been referred to as the “tramline” or “railroad track” sign.