Related Experiment Videos
Echocardiographic images in unusual hemorrhagic pericarditis
J H Morriss1, J Lee, F M Lupinetti
1Division of Pediatric Cardiology, University of Iowa, Iowa City 52242.
Insights
Unusual echocardiographic findings in two children with pericardial effusion revealed linear bands, suggesting a loculated and hemorrhagic effusion. This characteristic imaging may guide surgical drainage for definitive treatment.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Acute pericardial effusion can present with varied echocardiographic findings.
- Hemorrhagic effusions may require specific management strategies.
- Loculated effusions can pose challenges for pericardiocentesis.
Observation:
- Two pediatric cases of acute symptomatic pericardial effusion were analyzed.
- Unusual echocardiographic findings included numerous linear bands within the pericardial space.
- The pericardial effusion in both cases was confirmed to be hemorrhagic.
Findings:
- The presence of linear bands on echocardiography may predict a loculated and hemorrhagic pericardial effusion.
- This specific imaging pattern can inform treatment decisions.
- Early recognition facilitated tailored management approaches.
Implications:
- Characteristic echocardiographic findings can predict effusion characteristics, guiding treatment selection.
- Surgical drainage may be the most definitive treatment for loculated, hemorrhagic effusions.
- Anticipating effusion type based on imaging can optimize patient management and surgical planning.
Abstract:
Two children with acute symptomatic pericardial effusion had unusual echocardiographic findings. In each case, the pericardial effusion was hemorrhagic. Echocardiography displayed numerous linear bands coursing across the pericardial space. Recognition of this characteristic image may predict that an acute effusion is loculated, and perhaps hemorrhagic, so that surgical drainage will offer the most definitive treatment. Knowledge gained during management of the first patient was used to anticipate treatment of the second patient, influencing the choice to perform pericardiocentesis in the catheterization laboratory and to alert surgical colleagues of the anticipated need for surgical drainage.