Pericardial effusion is the excess accumulation of fluid in the pericardium surrounding the heart.
While a healthy sac contains 10 to 50 mL of lubricating fluid, large or rapidly accumulating effusions compress the heart, severely impairing its ability to pump blood and potentially causing life-threatening complications
Echocardiogram: The primary tool; uses sound waves to visualize the heart and measure exactly how much fluid is between the pericardial layers. Other imaging: Chest X-rays, CT scans, or MRI scans may also be used to confirm findings or investigate underlying causes
Treatment Approaches Observation: Small, asymptomatic effusions may only require monitoring. Medications: NSAIDs, corticosteroids, or diuretics are often used to reduce inflammation and manage underlying conditions. Procedures: If the fluid impairs heart function, a doctor may drain it using a catheter (pericardiocentesis) or surgically create a "window" to let the fluid drain into the chest cavity (pericardiostom
While a healthy sac contains 10 to 50 mL of lubricating fluid, large or rapidly accumulating effusions compress the heart, severely impairing its ability to pump blood and potentially causing life-threatening complications
Symptoms
Symptoms depend heavily on how quickly the fluid accumulates. A rapid buildup is often more dangerous than a slow, gradual accumulation
Symptoms depend heavily on how quickly the fluid accumulates. A rapid buildup is often more dangerous than a slow, gradual accumulation
Mild or Slow-Developing: May cause no noticeable symptoms
Severe or Rapid: Shortness of breath, chest pain (especially when breathing deeply or lying down), rapid heart rate, fatigue, and lightheadedness
Cardiac Tamponade: A medical emergency where fluid restricts the heart so severely that it causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure, shock, or collapse
Common Causes
- Infections: Viral, bacterial, or fungal pericarditis.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, or post-Myocardial infarction inflammation.
- Medical Events: Recent chest trauma, cardiac surgery, or complications from cancer.
- Other: Kidney failure, hypothyroidism, or radiation therapy to the chest
Diagnosis
