[Echocardiographic evaluation of pericardial effusion in acute myocardial infarct].

We have assessed the value of M-mode echocardiography in diagnosing the presence and the extent of pericardial effusion after an acute myocardial infarction, in a group of 105 patients. The relations between pericardial effusion and the extent of the infarction, the possible presence of heart failure, the clinical electrocardiographic and radiographic signs of pericarditis have also been investigated. At last we have evaluated the possible influence of the anticoagulant therapy.