How to assess a pericardial effusion with handheld ECHO

The presence of a pericardial effusion has also been reported in patients infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, particularly in patients with a myocardial injury (such as myopericarditis). 

So, how do you identify and assess a pericardial effusion using a handheld echocardiography (HHE) device? 

 

Identifying a pericardial effusion with handheld echocardiography

A pericardial effusion can be seen in the deep parasternal long-axis (PLAX) or subcostal views. The descending aorta is a useful landmark: fluid anterior to the descending aorta is pericardial and anything posterior to the descending aorta is pleural. 

^{Figure 1. Deep parasternal long-axis (PLAX) view of a pericardial effusion anterior to the descending aorta and a pleural effusion posterior to the descending aorta.} 

 

It is important to determine the hemodynamic effects of a pericardial effusion to guide clinical decision making. This involves using HHE to assess the volume and distribution of the pericardial effusion. 

 

 

Quantifying a pericardial effusion with handheld echocardiography

To quantify the effusion, measure the space between two pericardial reflections (visceral and parietal) in end-diastole in each view of the standard dataset. It is essential to take multiple measurements from different views, since there may be variability in effusion measurements across views. 

^{Figure 2. Pericardial effusions can be quantified with the standard echocardiogram dataset. The apical, subcostal, parasternal long-axis (PLAX), and parasternal short-axis (PSAX) views showing the variation in pericardial effusion measurements between the two pericardial reflections (visceral and parietal) in end-diastole.} 

 

The largest measurement is used to categorize the pericardial effusion as small (less than 1 cm), moderate (2–3 cm), or large (greater than 3 cm). 

 

Identifying cardiac tamponade with handheld echocardiography

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which results in reduced ventricular filling and subsequent hemodynamic compromise. Although this is a clinical diagnosis, HHE can be a supportive tool in the clinical assessment of this condition.

 

In cardiac tamponade, a pericardial effusion causes collapse of the lower-pressured right-sided chambers. The right atrium is initially affected in diastole with progressive diastolic collapse, which then leads to systolic collapse of the right ventricle. Typically, systolic collapse will also cause hypotension. 

Additionally, a dilated and non-collapsing inferior vena cava (IVC) may suggest the development of cardiac tamponade in an acute setting. 

^{Figure 3. Cardiac tamponade is caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, which results in reduced ventricular filling and hemodynamic compromise. Assessment with a subcostal ECHO shows a collapsed right ventricle (RV) and dilated non-collapsing inferior vena cava (IVC).} 

Identifying these key features with HHE ensures timely diagnosis of cardiac tamponade so that prompt emergency pericardiocentesis can be initiated. 

 

That’s it for now. If you want to improve your understanding of key concepts in medicine, and improve your clinical skills, make sure to register for a free trial account, which will give you access to free videos and downloads. We’ll help you make the right decisions for yourself and your patients.