Water bottle heart

Water Bottle Heart is a term used in medical imaging and cardiology to describe the appearance of the heart on a chest radiograph where it resembles the shape of a water bottle. This condition is typically associated with pericardial effusion, where excess fluid accumulates in the pericardial sac around the heart.

Causes

The primary cause of a water bottle heart is pericardial effusion. This can occur due to a variety of conditions, including infection, autoimmune disease, cancer, and kidney failure. Other causes can include trauma to the chest, heart surgery, and certain medications.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a water bottle heart is typically made through a chest radiograph, although other imaging techniques such as echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) scan may also be used. The heart appears enlarged and globular, resembling the shape of a water bottle.

Treatment

Treatment for a water bottle heart focuses on addressing the underlying cause of the pericardial effusion. This may involve medications to treat infection or inflammation, chemotherapy or radiation therapy for cancer, or dialysis for kidney failure. In severe cases, a procedure known as a pericardiocentesis may be performed to drain the excess fluid from the pericardial sac.

Prognosis

The prognosis for a water bottle heart depends on the underlying cause of the pericardial effusion. If treated promptly and effectively, the condition can often be managed successfully. However, if left untreated, it can lead to serious complications such as cardiac tamponade, which is a life-threatening condition.

See also

• Pericardial effusion
• Cardiac tamponade
• Chest radiograph