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[Pericardial liquid layer as an occasional finding in internal echography. Normal patterns and pathologic limits].

F Angelini1, A Bulzacchi, F Corbetti

  • 1II Servizio Radiologico, Ospedale Civile, Padova.

La Radiologia Medica
|September 1, 1990
PubMed
Summary

Pericardial fluid is common during abdominal ultrasounds but usually harmless. Fluid less than 10 mm thick typically has no clinical relevance, unlike larger effusions.

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Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Radiology
  • Medical Imaging

Background:

  • Pericardial fluid is frequently an incidental finding during abdominal ultrasound (US).
  • Establishing normality ranges for incidental pericardial fluid is crucial for accurate diagnosis.
  • Previous studies have not clearly defined the clinical significance of small pericardial fluid volumes detected incidentally.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the normality range for incidental pericardial fluid detected during upper abdominal US.
  • To assess the clinical relevance of pericardial fluid thickness identified incidentally.

Main Methods:

  • 500 patients undergoing liver US were evaluated for pericardial fluid.
  • Thickness of pericardial fluid was measured in positive cases.

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  • Cardiologic evaluation (clinical exam, ECG, echocardiography) was performed for patients with fluid thickness 5-9 mm (n=20) and >10 mm (n=6).

    • Main Results:

    • Pericardial fluid was detected in 20.8% of patients.
    • Fluid thickness <10 mm was common and clinically insignificant.
    • Pericardial fluid >10 mm was associated with high clinical relevance and often extended around the heart.

    Conclusions:

    • Incidental pericardial fluid <10 mm thickness on abdominal US is a common, benign finding.
    • Pericardial fluid >10 mm warrants further cardiologic investigation due to potential clinical significance.
    • Abdominal US can serve as an initial screening tool for detecting potentially significant pericardial effusions.