Pericardial abscess: diagnosis using two-dimensional echocardiography and CT.
Two cases of pericardial abscess were identified preoperatively using two-dimensional echocardiography and computed tomography (CT). In one patient the diagnosis was confirmed by needle aspiration of pus under CT guidance. Findings in both cases were similar, which suggests a common pathogenetic mechanism. Because purulent pericardial fluid collections are an uncommon condition associated with a high mortality, early echocardiography and if necessary CT should be performed, as prompt institution of appropriate therapy is the best hope for decreasing mortality.
D000038:Abscess / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D004452:Echocardiography; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology; D010493:Pericarditis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed