Presentation
Progressive shortness of breath. Routine CTPA to exclude pulmonary embolism.
Patient Data
Age: 65 years.
Gender: Male
{"current_user":null,"step_through_annotations":true,"access":{"can_edit":false,"can_download":true,"can_toggle_annotations":true,"can_feature":false,"can_pin":false},"extraPropsURL":"/studies/20841/annotated_viewer_json?lang=us"}
Large pericardial effusion with findings typical of tamponade (arrows)
Case Discussion
Tamponade, i.e. extrinsic pressure of the heart by fluid in the pericardial sac, leading to reduced right-sided heart filling, so on CTPA this is manifested by retrograde contrast filling of distended IVC (and hepatic veins) and azygos vein. There is also extrinsic compression to the right ventricle (a low pressure system) and epicardial fat by the fluid.
Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.