CT can detect the presence of a pericardial effusion; however, it is not accurate to estimate size. The 12-lead ECG may show low voltage, pericarditis (if present) or electrical alternans.

This ECG occurred in the setting of a large pericardial effusion causing cardiac tamponade. The pericardial effusion dampens the electrical signal on the ECG causing low voltage to be present (see ...

The clinical diagnosis of acute pericarditis is based on simple criteria: typical chest pain, pericardial friction rub (Figure 2), widespread ST-segment elevation (Figure 3) and pericardial ...