Possible False-Positive Diagnosis of Pericardial Effusion by Echocardiography in Presence of Large Left Atrium

¹ Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of Alabama Medical Center, University Station, Birmingham

Initial echocardiographic examination in a young woman with cardiomegaly suggested the presence of pericardial effusion. Echocardiographic scanning revealed continuity of the space defined posterior to the posterior left ventricular wall with an enlarged left atrium. Subsequent cineangiographic studies confirmed left atrial enlargement and the absence of pericardial effusion. Scanning, which can be accomplished in most, but not in all patients, is an important component technique of the echocardiographic examination for pericardial fluid. Left atrial enlargement represents a potentially common cause of falsepositive echocardiographic diagnosis of pericardial effusion, of which the examiner must be aware.