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Pericardial Effusion

Amir Azarbal1, Martin M LeWinter1

  • 1Cardiology Unit, The University of Vermont Medical Center, The University of Vermont, 111 Colchester Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|October 14, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Pericardial effusion, excess fluid around the heart, can cause cardiac tamponade. Management depends on tamponade presence, with pericardiocentesis for urgent cases and systematic diagnosis for others.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Internal Medicine

Background:

  • The pericardial sac normally contains up to 50 mL of plasma ultrafiltrate.
  • Pathologic pericardial effusion involves fluid accumulation exceeding normal limits.
  • The pericardial sac's pressure-volume dynamics influence hemodynamic consequences.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the causes and management of pericardial effusion.
  • To highlight the critical role of cardiac tamponade in management decisions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on pericardial effusion.
  • Analysis of hemodynamic principles related to pericardial fluid accumulation.
  • Discussion of diagnostic and management strategies.

Main Results:

  • Common causes include idiopathic pericarditis, cancer, connective tissue disorders, and hemorrhage.
  • Rapid fluid accumulation can lead to cardiac tamponade.
  • Management is stratified based on the presence or threat of tamponade.

Conclusions:

  • Urgent pericardiocentesis is indicated for tamponade.
  • Non-tamponade effusions require a systematic diagnostic and management approach.

Keywords:
Cardiac tamponadeEchocardiographyPericardial effusionPericardiocentesisPericarditis

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