CARBON DIOXIDE CINEANGIOCARDIOGRAPHY IN THE DIAGNOSIS OF PERICARDIAL DISEASE

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Abstract
Carbon dioxide angiocardiography is a safe and simple diagnostic procedure to perform. It is more readily and more easily performed with cineroentgenography than with single film technique. One hundred studies were carried out in 90 patients. Cardiac pulsations were of no value in assessing tile presence of pericardial fluid. The presence of a fluid wave in a thickened opaque band correlated well with the presence of pericardial effusion. The absence of a fluid wave in a thickened opaque band was indicative of pericardial thickening with or without the presence of small amounts of fluid. Asymmetry of the opaque band was of no specific diagnostic significance except when associated with flattening; this combination is strongly suggestive of constrictive pericarditis. Compartmentalized gas due to the crista terminalis of the right atrium is clearly depicted and false positive interpretation which is possible in a single film, when all the gas in the right atrium is trapped posterior to the crista, can be avoided. Visualization of the superior vena cava is of value in a more accurate assessment of right pleural effusion.