Pericardial effusion diagnostic study of choice

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Roukoz A. Karam, M.D.[2]

Overview

There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion. Pericardial effusion is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical evaluation along with electrocardiographic and chest radiograph findings, which may suggest the presence of a pericardial effusion. Echocardiography must be performed in all patients with possible pericardial effusion

Diagnostic Study of Choice

Study of choice

• There is no single diagnostic study of choice for the diagnosis of pericardial effusion.
• Pericardial effusion is primarily diagnosed based on the clinical evaluation along with electrocardiographic and chest radiograph findings, which may suggest the presence of a pericardial effusion.
• Echocardiography must be performed in all patients with possible pericardial effusion.
• Echocardiography is an excellent method for detection and estimation of the size of pericardial effusions.

Sequence of Diagnostic Studies

The various investigations must be performed in the following order:

• Electrocardiography
• Chest x-ray
• Echocardiography