Pericardial Effusion

Pericardial effusion is accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac, due to infection/inflammation/uremia/neoplasm/hypothyroidism/heart failure. It may be asymptomatic or cause cardiac tamponade. Treatment: echocardiographic monitoring; treat underlying cause; pericardiocentesis (drainage) for tamponade or large symptomatic effusion; surgical window for recurrent/persistent.

Common Symptoms

Asymptomatic or dyspnea/chest discomfort; signs of tamponade (hypotension/elevated JVP/muffled heart sounds); by cause

Causes and Pathogenesis

Infection/inflammation/uremia/neoplasm/hypothyroidism causes fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac.

Treatment

Monitor by echo; treat cause; pericardiocentesis for tamponade/large effusion; surgical window if recurrent

Preventive Measures

Treat cause; monitor effusion size.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Cardiology department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.