22 Pericardial effusion Fig. 22.1 This radiograph demonstrates a water-bottle-shaped heart in a young patient who was subsequently shown to have a pericardial effusion at echocardiography. Background Pericardial effusion is defined as abnormal fluid in the pericardial space. There are several causes including trauma, inflammation, malignancy and autoimmune conditions. It can also accompany pericarditis. This is an important condition because it may lead to cardiac tamponade, as the build-up of fluid restricts normal cardiac motion. Clinical features Symptoms These are non-specific and include shortness of breath, chest discomfort and palpitations. Signs Look for the signs of cardiac tamponade (Beck’s triad): hypotension, muffled heart sounds and raised JVP. A pericardial rub may be heard if the patient has pericarditis. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related posts: Permanent pacemakers Empyema Chronic pancreatitis Large bowel obstruction Brodie’s abscess Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: On-Call X-Rays Made Easy Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by admin in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Pericardial effusion Full access? Get Clinical Tree
22 Pericardial effusion Fig. 22.1 This radiograph demonstrates a water-bottle-shaped heart in a young patient who was subsequently shown to have a pericardial effusion at echocardiography. Background Pericardial effusion is defined as abnormal fluid in the pericardial space. There are several causes including trauma, inflammation, malignancy and autoimmune conditions. It can also accompany pericarditis. This is an important condition because it may lead to cardiac tamponade, as the build-up of fluid restricts normal cardiac motion. Clinical features Symptoms These are non-specific and include shortness of breath, chest discomfort and palpitations. Signs Look for the signs of cardiac tamponade (Beck’s triad): hypotension, muffled heart sounds and raised JVP. A pericardial rub may be heard if the patient has pericarditis. Only gold members can continue reading. Log In or Register to continue Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Related posts: Permanent pacemakers Empyema Chronic pancreatitis Large bowel obstruction Brodie’s abscess Slipped upper femoral epiphysis Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel Join Tags: On-Call X-Rays Made Easy Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by admin in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Pericardial effusion Full access? Get Clinical Tree
