Pericardial Disease Flashcards
7 cards from real ARDMS ECHO practice questions. Tap to flip, then mark Knew It or Still Learning — missed cards come back until you master them.
Read the first 7 Pericardial Disease flashcards as text
What is the normal volume of pericardial fluid in a healthy adult?
Answer: 15–50 mL
The normal pericardial sac contains approximately 15–50 mL of serous fluid that acts as a lubricant between the visceral and parietal pericardium.
On the parasternal long-axis view, how is a pericardial effusion distinguished from a left pleural effusion?
Answer: Pericardial effusion is bounded anteriorly by the descending aorta
On the parasternal long-axis view, pericardial effusion lies anterior to the descending aorta, whereas a pleural effusion extends posterior to it.
According to standard echocardiographic grading, a small pericardial effusion is defined as an echo-free space measuring less than:
Answer: 10 mm
A small pericardial effusion is classified as an echo-free separation of less than 10 mm measured in the parasternal long-axis view during diastole.
Which condition is characterized by fibrous thickening, scarring, and sometimes calcification of the pericardium that impairs cardiac filling?
Answer: Constrictive pericarditis
Constrictive pericarditis results from scarring and loss of pericardial elasticity, creating a rigid shell around the heart that restricts ventricular filling.
What is the most common echocardiographic finding in acute pericarditis?
Answer: Pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion is detected in the majority of acute pericarditis cases and is the most frequently observed echocardiographic abnormality.
Which echocardiographic appearance best describes a large circumferential pericardial effusion?
Answer: Echo-free space surrounding all cardiac chambers
A large pericardial effusion appears as a circumferential echo-free (anechoic) space that encircles all four cardiac chambers.
Pericardial cysts are benign congenital lesions most commonly found at which location on echocardiography?
Answer: Right cardiophrenic angle
Pericardial cysts are fluid-filled, thin-walled structures located most often at the right cardiophrenic angle and appear as anechoic masses on echocardiography.