- Distention of the superior vena cava: ≥ diameter of the adjacent thoracic aorta.
- Distention of the inferior vena cava: ≥ twice the diameter of the adjacent abdominal aorta. Distension of the hepatic and renal veins can also be seen.
- Periportal edema: Can also be seen with chronic congestive heart failure, among other conditions.
- Reflux of contrast into the azygos vein: Can also be seen with massive pulmonary emboli, cor pulmonale, right-sided heart failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, obstruction of the main pulmonary artery, bilateral pneumothoraces, and positive pressure ventilation.
- Reflux of contrast into the inferior vena cava: Can also be seen with tricuspid regurgitation, hypovolemic or cardiogenic shock, and pulmonary embolism.
- Deformity and compression of intrapericardial structures: For example the cardiac chambers (flattened heart sign, shown above), coronary sinus, pulmonary trunk, intrathoracic segment of the inferior vena cava (covered by pericardium anteriorly).
- Angulation or bowing of the interventricular septum: Correlates with paradoxical motion of the septum. Can also be seen with pressure and/or volume overload of the right ventricle (constrictive pericardial disease, massive pulmonary embolism).
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Cardiac Tamponade: CT Findings
CT findings of cardiac tamponade can be nonspecific. However, when seen together in the setting of a large pericardial effusion, the following should strongly suggest the diagnosis:
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.