[Sonography in pericardial effusion (author's transl)].

The examination technique, results and diagnostic value of sonography were evaluated in a retrospective study of 70 patients with pericardial effusion. Small effusions of less than 100 cc can be detected by observing a separation of the epicardium from the pericardium. With larger effusions sonography allows an approximate estimate of the volume. Since ultrasonography is non-invasive, and since it has a very high diagnostic accuracy and only few false-negative findings, it is the method of choice for the examination of patients suspected of having a pericardial effusion.