Pericardial Effusion
When to Scan:
Where to put the probe:
• Start low in abdomen, parallel to floor and slowly move towards head, sweep through the heart
• Use the liver as a window (start further to patient's right) and have the patient bend their knees to relax abdomen
• Pericardial Effusion may also be visible with the PLAX, PSAX and AP4 cardiac windows
When to Scan:
• Start low in abdomen, parallel to floor and slowly move towards head, sweep through the heart
• Use the liver as a window (start further to patient's right) and have the patient bend their knees to relax abdomen
• Pericardial Effusion may also be visible with the PLAX, PSAX and AP4 cardiac windows
Findings
Effusion will first accumulate in the most dependent area of the heart (posterior/inferior).
Sweep through the heart visualizing the septum (7 sign) until the apex.
Normal Subcostal:
Positive Subcostal Approach:
