Chest Epicardial fatpad_001

Heart size within normal limits. Prominent epicardial fat pads. Bronchovascular markings appear slightly prominent at the right base suggesting post inflammatory changes but no mass or other lesion identified.

The epicardial fat pad sign: analysis of frontal and lateral chest radiographs in patients with pericardial effusion
EW Carsky, RA Mauceri and F Azimi


The epicardial fat pad sign (EFPS) has been useful in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion on plain frontal and lateral chest radiographs. In this series of 100 cases, including patients with small pericardial effusions, it was positive in 52% of cases, being seen on the lateral view in 41%, on the frontal view in 23%, and on both views in 12%. The authors consider this sign to be the most reliable plain-radiograph finding in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion.
 

Ref: http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/reprint/137/2/303