Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 6, 2026

09:17
Point-of-Care Lung Ultrasound in Adults: Image Acquisition
Published on: March 3, 2023
7.3K
A Large Pericardial Effusion Culminating in Left Lung Collapse.
Hina Amin1, Bishal Gyawali1, Debanik Chaudhuri2
1Internal Medicine, State University of New York Upstate Medical University, Syracuse, USA.
Cureus
|October 3, 2019
Summary
Large pericardial effusion, excess fluid around the heart, can rarely cause lung collapse. This case highlights acute respiratory insufficiency from left lung atelectasis due to a massive pericardial effusion.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Medical Case Reports
Background:
- Pericardial effusion involves excess fluid in the pericardium, potentially asymptomatic or causing tamponade.
- Large, rapidly developing effusions can lead to hemodynamic instability.
- Slowly developing large effusions may compress adjacent lung tissue and bronchi.
Related Concept Videos
Pneumothorax-II
821
Pneumothorax is a medical condition defined by the buildup of air in the pleural space between the lungs and the chest wall. This accumulation of air can lead to partial or complete lung collapse, resulting in a range of clinical manifestations. Understanding the clinical presentation and effective management strategies is crucial for healthcare professionals in providing timely and appropriate care to individuals with pneumothorax.
Clinical Manifestations:
Clinical Manifestations:
821
Pneumothorax-I
1.1K
A pneumothorax is a condition where air builds up in the space between the lung and the chest wall, causing the lung to collapse. This condition arises when air enters the space between the parietal and visceral pleura, disrupting the negative pressure essential for lung inflation. This can lead to a partial or complete collapse of the lung.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
Pneumothorax can be even further classified as spontaneous, traumatic, and tension pneumothorax.
1.1K
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
257
Pericarditis is distinguished by inflammation of the pericardium, the fibrous sac that encases the heart. It can be acute, lasting less than six weeks, or chronic, persisting for over three months. Understanding its clinical manifestations and diagnostic findings is crucial for timely and effective management.Clinical ManifestationsWhile pericarditis can be asymptomatic, it usually presents with characteristic symptoms such as:Chest Pain: The most characteristic symptom of pericarditis is chest...
257
Pleural Effusion I: Introduction
3.7K
Pleural effusion is an abnormal fluid accumulation in the pleural cavity, a narrow space between the lungs and the chest wall. It is not a disease per se but rather a symptom or indication of an underlying disease. In normal circumstances, this space contains a small amount of fluid (5 to 15 mL), a lubricant facilitating the non-frictional movement of the pleural surfaces.
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
There are two main types of pleural effusion: transudative and exudative. They are differentiated using Light's...
3.7K
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
2.3K
The heart's primary function is to pump blood throughout the body, maintaining a balance between blood sent out (cardiac output) and blood returning (venous return). If this balance is disrupted, it can result in congestive heart failure (CHF), a severe condition where the heart becomes an inefficient pump, leading to inadequate blood circulation.
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
CHF can occur due to the failure of either side of the heart. Left-side failure leads to pulmonary congestion—the right side continues to send...
2.3K
Heart Failure III: Clinical Manifestations
430
Heart failure (HF) manifests primarily as dyspnea, fatigue, and fluid retention, resulting in peripheral and pulmonary edema. Symptoms may vary depending on which ventricle is more affected, left or right.Left-Sided Heart FailureAlso known as left ventricular failure, this condition results from the left ventricle's inability to fill or eject sufficient blood into the systemic circulation. It leads to pulmonary congestion, which occurs when the left ventricle fails to eject blood effectively...
430

