Diagnosis of a pericardial effusion with a thoracic aortic aneurysm by point-of-care ultrasound

CJEM. 2017 Jan;19(1):71-74. doi: 10.1017/cem.2016.1. Epub 2016 Feb 9.

Abstract

We present a rare case of a young patient with chest pain whose ascending thoracic aortic aneurysm (TAA) was detected by point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) leading to a successful surgical repair. POCUS identified a moderate pericardial effusion and an associated severely dilated ascending aorta. In this context, it is important to rule out aortic rupture and aortic dissection. We also discuss the epidemiology, complications, and management of TAAs as well as the role of cardiac POCUS in the diagnosis of thoracic aneurysmal disease.

Keywords: aortic aneurysm rupture; pericardial effusion; point-of-care ultrasound; thoracic aortic aneurysm; ultrasound.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / physiopathology
  • Aortic Aneurysm, Thoracic / surgery
  • Aortic Dissection / diagnostic imaging*
  • Aortic Dissection / physiopathology
  • Aortic Dissection / surgery
  • Chest Pain / diagnosis
  • Chest Pain / etiology
  • Early Diagnosis
  • Echocardiography, Transesophageal / methods
  • Emergency Service, Hospital
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnostic imaging*
  • Pericardial Effusion / physiopathology
  • Pericardial Effusion / surgery
  • Point-of-Care Systems*
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods
  • Risk Assessment
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Ultrasonography / methods*
  • Vascular Surgical Procedures / methods