Subcostal ascites vs pericardial effusion
Caption
Subcostal view of the heart is relatively easy to obtain in most patients and is commonly used to exclude pericardial effusion on focused exams. Therefore, it is important to know how ascites and pleural effusion appear to avoid misdiagnosis. Ascites appears anterior to the right cardiac chambers. In these cases, the falciform ligament and liver appear floating in the anechoic fluid. Extending the examination to the rest of the abdomen will easily demonstrate the presence of ascites and confirm the diagnosis when in doubt.
Tags
Ascites
(beginner)