Ultrasonic determination of pericardial effusion

The accuracy of ultrasonic diagnosis of pericardial effusion can be improved by adoption of a standard technique so that results are reproducible. Knowledge of anatomic landmarks is important for both the proper positioning of the transducer and the prevention of errors in diagnosis. The characteristic posterior echo complex that is recorded in the presence of pericardial effusion arises from the pericardial structures in the vicinity of the left atrioventricular groove. Anterior echo complexes can be obtained in approximately 50% of patients with pericardial effusion. B-mode ultrasound can be used for the detection of cardiac tamponade and the demonstration of changes following pericardiocentesis. Pulmonary and pleural lesions such as atelectasis, consolidation, and basilar effusion cause false echo complexes and it is important that these be recognized.