Radiology has been able to reach the pumping heart and measure its lovely movement in microseconds. The ability to see through has given radiology investigations like Cardiac MRI or CT Chest an early priority than to surgical procedures itself, especially conditions of Pericardial effusion known to radiology. Radiologists can identify effusions accurately. But to have error proof, it is better to ask for an Expert Panel Cardiac Radiology Second Opinion in Pericardial Effusion.
What is Pericardial Effusion?
The heart is covered in a membranous sac which is called the Pericardium. There are muscles around the heart called Myocardium. Pericardial effusion is when there is fluid in the sac which is in between Myocardium and the outer covering of Pericardium. There can be many causes to the condition known as Pericardium Effusion. Primary pathologies affecting the pericardium
-During Viral Infections
-In Systemic illness like cirrhosis
-Kidney disease
-During conditions of heart failure causing fluid overload and 3rd space collections
-In cancer when metastatic deposits in the pericardium
On the fluid dynamics level, when effusion is large, the fluid affects the functioning of heart muscle. When the effusion does not respond to medical management, at times Radiologists along with other specialists remove the fluid by inserting a needle.
Pericardial Effusion can be life threatening. When blood collects in between Myocardium and the outer covering Pericardium, it's called Cardiac Tamponade, which is quite a serious heart condition. It is considered a high-level emergency and needs life support mechanisms. Sometimes minimal effusion is of no significance seen as a reactive effusion to other illnesses.
Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Radiology
Radiology wise, cardiac movements were picked up with Chest X-ray. An X-ray also can predict cardiomegaly, seen as water bottled heart. But when it comes to pericardial effusion, more accurately, 2D Echo can be used to diagnose the condition. Later Ultrasound Procedures like USG Abdomen with a substernal window are of help. Today we have very advanced radiology procedures. Radiologists are known to use CT Chest that picks Pericardial Effusion with greater accuracy.
Pericardial Effusion and Second opinion
There are always human errors and judgemental errors. In radiology, even the students are trained to look into fluids in the heart , specifically Pericardial Effusion it is possible to have both errors. The judgemental error may miss smaller to moderate effusion. But human error may miss significantly large amounts of fluid. It requires more experience in doing Cardiac Radiology.
Dr Purabi, Senior Radiologist who is part of TeleradiologyHub Expert Second Opinion Panel and has 25 years of experience says," I'm sure 99% of Radiologists, even if Junior, have at least the basic level of skill to identify effusions but it is better to ask for Expert Panel Cardiac Radiology Second Opinion in Pericardial Effusion given the volume of reporting expected in acute turnaround time today."