Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 6, 2026

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition
07:18

Focused Assessment with Sonography for Trauma FAST Exam: Image Acquisition

Published on: September 22, 2023

9.3K

Brief Images: Massive pericardial effusion

S Chang1, S Maharaj1

  • 1Eric Williams Medical Sciences Complex, University of the West Indies , Trinidad and Tobago .

Images in Paediatric Cardiology
|August 4, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Massive pericardial effusion in children, though rare, requires prompt medical attention. This case highlights connective tissue disease as a cause of recurrent pericardial effusion in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Cardiology
  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Pediatric Critical Care

Background:

  • Pericardial effusion, the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, is an uncommon yet significant condition in childhood.
  • Prompt diagnosis and management are crucial for favorable outcomes in pediatric patients with pericardial effusions.

Observation:

  • A pediatric patient presented with a massive pericardial effusion, identified via cross-sectional imaging.
  • The effusion was recurrent and associated with a left-sided pleural effusion.

Findings:

  • Connective tissue disease was identified as the underlying etiology for the recurrent pericardial effusion.
  • The imaging findings were consistent with a massive pericardial effusion.

Implications:

  • Clinicians should maintain a high index of suspicion for pericardial effusion in pediatric patients.
  • A thorough evaluation is essential for all children presenting with large pericardial effusions to determine the underlying cause and guide appropriate management.
  • Early recognition and management of connective tissue disease-related pericardial effusions can prevent complications.

Keywords:
PediatricPericardial effusionconnective tissue disease

More Related Videos

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease12:15

Tissue Preparation Techniques for Contrast-Enhanced Micro Computed Tomography Imaging of Large Mammalian Cardiac Models with Chronic Disease

Published on: February 8, 2022

3.0K
Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction14:19

Primary Outcome Assessment in a Pig Model of Acute Myocardial Infarction

Published on: October 14, 2016

12.1K

Related Concept Videos

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:19

Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
551
Pericarditis III: Medical Management01:17

Pericarditis III: Medical Management

The primary objectives of managing pericarditis are to determine the underlying cause, provide effective therapy for treatment and symptom relief, and promptly detect signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade. The following outlines the essential aspects of medical management for pericarditis:ObjectivesDetermine the Cause: Identifying the underlying cause of pericarditis is crucial for targeted treatment. Causes include viral infections, autoimmune diseases, post-cardiac injury syndrome, and...
533
Location and Orientation of the Heart01:13

Location and Orientation of the Heart

The human heart, despite its modest size and weight, is an organ of remarkable strength and endurance. Roughly the size of a fist, the heart weighs between 250 and 350 grams and is nestled within the mediastinum, the medial cavity of the thorax. It extends obliquely for about 12 to 14 cm, resting on the superior surface of the diaphragm. The heart is positioned anterior to the vertebral column and posterior to the sternum, with two-thirds of its mass lying to the left of the midsternal line.
14.1K
Pericarditis I: Introduction01:22

Pericarditis I: Introduction

Pericarditis is defined as the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin, sac-like membrane surrounding the heart. This condition can cause significant chest pain and other symptoms, often necessitating medical intervention. The pericardium has two layers: the inner visceral layer and the outer parietal layer, separated by a small amount of fluid that reduces friction during heartbeats.Types of PericarditisPericarditis can be classified into several types based on the duration and nature of the...
649
Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray01:20

Imaging Studies for Cardiovascular System III: X-Ray

The most common cardiovascular diagnostic test is an X-ray. It produces images of the heart, blood vessels, and adjacent structures.
Definition and Purpose
An X-ray, or radiograph, is a non-invasive method that uses ionizing radiation to take images of internal structures. It is mainly used in cardiac imaging to examine the heart, lungs, and major blood vessels, aiming to identify abnormalities in the heart's size, shape, and position, such as heart failure, congenital defects, and vascular...
670
Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests01:22

Aortic Regurgitation II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests

Aortic valve regurgitation (AR) occurs when the aortic valve fails to close properly, allowing blood to flow backward from the aorta into the left ventricle. This backflow can result in two distinct clinical presentations: acute and chronic AR, each characterized by its own set of symptoms and physical findings.Acute Aortic RegurgitationAcute AR presents with a sudden onset of severe symptoms. Patients typically experience profound dyspnea (shortness of breath), chest pain, and signs of left...
919