Lesions of the Cardiophrenic Space: Findings at Cross-sectional Imaging1

• Published in: Radiographics Vol. 27; no. 1; p. 19
• Main Authors: Víctor Pineda, Jordi Andreu, José Cáceres, Xavier Merino, Diego Varona, Rosa Domínguez-Oronoz
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Radiological Society of North America 01-01-2007
• ISSN: 0271-5333; 1527-1323
• DOI: 10.1148/rg.271065089

Cross-sectional imaging techniques allow excellent visualization of the cardiophrenic space. Under normal conditions, the
cardiophrenic space is occupied by fat, the amount of which is usually increased in overweight individuals. It has been suggested
that this fat accumulation correlates with the risk of cardiovascular disease. Several alterations originating above or below
the diaphragm can affect the cardiophrenic space. Inflammatory lesions such as pericardial fat necrosis and tumoral masses
are sometimes seen. Lymphoma is a major but not exclusive cause of cardiophrenic adenopathy and must be differentiated from
lymphatic seeding of supradiaphragmatic and infradiaphragmatic malignancies. In patients with portal hypertension, cardiophrenic
space varices are not uncommon. Other masses or pseudomasses occurring in this region include pericardial cysts, mediastinal
tumors, and diaphragmatic hernia. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the thorax are helpful in characterizing
cardiophrenic lesions initially identified at plain radiography. Such characterization helps narrow the differential diagnosis
when lesions are detected in this location.
© RSNA, 2007