Question 1

what does tiny tibiootalar join effusion mean?

Accepted Answer

Ankle joint fluid: Effusion means fluid buildup.  Tibiotalar refers to the main ankle joint.  Such fluid can occur due to arthritis, infection, or trauma usually. 

There normally is a tiny amount of such fluid to lubricate joints in the body. Greater amounts would warrant evaluation for disease states.  Fluid in this joint can be seen on xrays, ct, and MRI exams.

Question 2

what is the definition or description of: effusion?

Accepted Answer

Effusion: Increased joint fluid or blood in a joint.

Question 3

what does minimal suprapatellar effusion mean?

Accepted Answer

Probably not much: It means there is very mild swelling of the knee secondary to arthritis.

Question 4

my first echo showed a small not clinically significant effusion and my second showed none. should i worry about these different results?

Accepted Answer

No: But you didn't mention on which part of the body the echo is performed.  I would only be concerned if the sequence were reversed.

Question 5

what is a pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

Fluid around heart: Heart muscle is covered by very thin layer of tissue called epicardium. Further surrounded by very thin partially distensible sac called pericardium. Space between epi- and peri- cardium always  contains small amount of lubricating fluid.  Epi or pericardium can become inflammed or fluid can leak into this space. When fluid accumulates and becomes detectable it is an "effusion.".

Question 6

what's a trivial pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

No concern: We all have small amounts of fluid in the pericardial sac around the heart.  Think of motor oil for valves in engine which lubricates surfaces ti reduce friction.  If we can see this on an echocardiogram we will frequently say trivial effusion.

Question 7

how to treat loculated peritoneal effusion?

Accepted Answer

Do you mean : Pleural effusion or peritoneal fluid?  Either way, it will require drainage for diagnostic purposes at least, unless your doctor knows why it is there.  If it persists, drainage under ct guidance or even surgical drainage becomes necessary.  Ask your doctor who ordered the test what to do about this abnormal finding.

Question 8

trivial pericardial effusion. is it serious?

Accepted Answer

Unlikely: It is normal to have a small amount of pericardial fluid present. Current imaging techniques are more sensitive and therefore it is seen more frequently.

Question 9

how dangerous  is a small pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

Depends : Usually this is a benign finding, but the reason for the echocardiogram and the clinical scenario are important to answer your question. I strongly suggest you sit down with the cardiologist and ask a few questions to make sure this is nothing to worry about

Question 10

what meds do they give for pericardial effusion?

Accepted Answer

NSAIDS: Most common cause of effusion is inflammation of epi or pericardium.  Best treatment is generally anti inflammatory agents.  Could use steroids, but usual treatment is non steroidal agents typically Indomethacin although i believe any NSAID at equivalent dose is likely as effective.

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What is an effusion

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What does tiny tibiootalar join effusion mean?

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What is the definition or description of: effusion?

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What does minimal suprapatellar effusion mean?

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My first echo showed a small not clinically significant effusion and my second showed none. should i worry about these different results?

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What is a pericardial effusion?

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What's a trivial pericardial effusion?

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How to treat loculated peritoneal effusion?

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Trivial pericardial effusion. is it serious?

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How dangerous is a small pericardial effusion?

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What meds do they give for pericardial effusion?

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