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False-negative findings in pericardial effusion using M-mode echocardiography
Pediatric Cardiology
|July 1, 1983
Summary
M-mode echocardiography can miss pericardial effusions, even in children. A 2D echocardiogram is crucial for accurate diagnosis when M-mode is negative, revealing effusions missed by the initial assessment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Echocardiography
Background:
- Pericardial effusion diagnosis in children requires accurate imaging modalities.
- M-mode echocardiography is a standard screening tool, but its limitations are not fully understood.
Observation:
- A 3-year-old patient with suspected pericardial effusion initially had a negative M-mode echocardiogram.
- A subsequent 2-dimensional echocardiogram revealed a large effusion adjacent to the right atrium and right ventricle.
Findings:
- M-mode echocardiography can yield false-negative results for pericardial effusions.
- Two-dimensional echocardiography offers superior visualization and detection of effusions compared to M-mode.
Implications:
- Clinicians should consider 2D echocardiography when M-mode findings are inconclusive or negative for effusion.
- Understanding the limitations of M-mode echocardiography is vital for timely and accurate diagnosis of pediatric pericardial effusions.