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Water bottle sign of pericardial effusion

Case contributed by Vikas Shah
Diagnosis almost certain

Presentation

Shortness of breath.

Patient Data

Age: 60 years
Gender: Female

Chest x-ray

x-ray

Rounded shape to the enlarged cardiac shadow. Lungs and pleural spaces clear.

CT thorax

ct

CT confirms large pericardial effusion as cause of x-ray abnormality.

Case Discussion

The water bottle sign refers to the shape of the heart in the presence of a large pericardial effusion.

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