Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with a small pericardial effusion incidentally noted on imaging. Patient denies chest pain, dyspnea, orthopnea, or syncope. No symptoms of hemodynamic instability or tamponade physiology reported. Hemodynamically stable.
Clinical Examination Findings
Cardiovascular exam: Regular rate and rhythm, S1 and S2 heart sounds normal. No jugular venous distension (JVD). No pulsus paradoxus. Lungs clear to auscultation bilaterally. No peripheral edema.
Treatment Protocol
Conservative management with serial echocardiographic monitoring to assess for progression. Monitor for signs of hemodynamic compromise. Address underlying etiology if identified. Avoid non-essential anticoagulation if clinically appropriate.