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Updated: May 11, 2026
09:22
Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension and Assessment of Right Ventricular Function in the Piglet
Published on: November 4, 2015
Pleural effusion leading to right atrial collapse
1University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, Memphis, TN, 38163.
Journal of Clinical Ultrasound : JCU
|May 29, 2013
Summary
Rapid fluid buildup around the heart causes cardiac tamponade. However, large pleural effusions can also cause cardiac collapse, requiring different treatments like thoracentesis instead of pericardiocentesis.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Pericardial effusion can lead to cardiac tamponade, causing hemodynamic instability.
- Cardiac tamponade results from fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, compressing the heart chambers.
- This condition often necessitates urgent pericardiocentesis to relieve pressure.
Observation:
- Pleural effusion, fluid in the lung cavity, can rarely mimic cardiac tamponade.
- Large pleural effusions can lead to the collapse of cardiac chambers.
- This phenomenon can present as apparent cardiac tamponade.
Findings:
- Cardiac chamber collapse can be caused by both pericardial and pleural effusions.
- Hemodynamic instability in patients with moderate to large pleural effusions may be misattributed to cardiac tamponade.
- Distinguishing the source of effusion is critical for appropriate management.
Implications:
- Patients with hemodynamic instability and significant pleural effusion may benefit from thoracentesis.
- Misdiagnosis can lead to inappropriate treatments such as excessive fluid resuscitation or inotropic agents.
- Recognizing pleural effusion as a cause of cardiac chamber collapse can alter patient management strategies and improve outcomes.
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