Why differentiating minimal pericardial effusion from thickened pericardium is important?

€¢ Mild pericardial effusion is largely a benign finding in vast majority. €¢ But , even a minimally thickened pericardium due to active inflammation can be significant. €¢ Sticky pericardial effusion predispose to thickening and constriction.

€¢ Early recognition of this dreaded pericardial pathology is essential to interrupt the inflammatory process. €¢ In CRF (With or without dialysis) even a minimal pericardial effusion can denote a dismal outcome . Here is a link to Horowitz classification of mild pericardial effusion ... It could help us understand, How thickened pericardium presents in echo.

Of course, CT and MRI now have increased sensitivity for diagnosing pericardial thickening. More.

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