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Significance of incidental pericardial effusion on computed tomography in cardiac trauma: A report of two cases

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Abstract

We describe computed tomographic (CT) findings in two patients with cardiac injury who required emergency surgery. Chest CT revealed an unexpected low-density area, indicating pericardial effusion. We emphasize that, given the situation of trauma, an incidental low-density area covering more than two slices along the inferior border of the heart suggests pericardial effusion, which may be caused by cardiac injury.

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Shimoyamada, K., Yamaguchi, T., Hayakawa, M. et al. Significance of incidental pericardial effusion on computed tomography in cardiac trauma: A report of two cases. Emergency Radiology 3, 130–133 (1996). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02440033

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02440033

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