PERICARDIAL EFFUSION:

  The above ultrasound image of the heart in a neonate shows a small hypoechoic collection (pericardial fluid), between the two layers of the pericardium. Image courtesy of Dr. Vikas Arora, Ferozepur, India.

The 4 ultrasound images show a relatively larger pericardial effusion in a young woman with no previous history of cardiac or related illness. These images are courtesy of Mr. Shlomo Gobi, Israel. Pericardial effusion is graded as:

     Large effusion: if the thickness of layer of fluid is more than 1 cm.

     Medium effusion: if the thickness of the layer of fluid is less than 1 cm., but it surrounds the heart.

      Small effusion: if the layer of fluid is less than 1 cm. and is limited to the posterior region.