Pericardial effusion

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Pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion with tamponade (cropped).gif
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, fatigue
Complications Cardiac tamponade, constrictive pericarditis
Onset Gradual or sudden
Duration Variable
Types N/A
Causes Infection, inflammation, trauma, cancer, autoimmune disease
Risks Heart surgery, kidney failure, hypothyroidism
Diagnosis Echocardiogram, chest X-ray, CT scan, MRI
Differential diagnosis Heart failure, pneumonia, pulmonary embolism
Prevention N/A
Treatment Pericardiocentesis, anti-inflammatory medication, surgery
Medication N/A
Prognosis Depends on underlying cause
Frequency Common
Deaths N/A


Pericardial effusion is fluid buildup inside of the pericardium, affecting the performance of the heart.

Pathophysiology[edit | edit source]

  • In pericardial effusion, there is extra fluid collects between the heart and the pericardium (the sac around the heart).
  • The extra fluid causes pressure on the heart.
  • This keeps it from pumping blood normally.
  • Lymph vessels may also be blocked, which can cause infection.

Causes[edit | edit source]

Pericardial effusions may be caused by cancer or cancer treatment, infection, injury, autoimmune disorders, thyroid disease or kidney problems etc.

Symptoms[edit | edit source]

Symptoms of pericardial effusion include chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. Fever is a common symptom of acute pericarditis.

Diagnosis[edit | edit source]

Diagnosis was with physical exam, imaging tests, and heart tests such as echocardiography to make a diagnosis.

Treatment[edit | edit source]

Treatment depends on the cause and may involve pericardiocentesis

Complications[edit | edit source]

If the pericardial effusion is severe, it can lead to a life threatening emergency called cardiac tamponade where the heart is compressed due to pressure of the fluid in the pericardial sac. Immediate medical attention is required in thi case.

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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD