Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025
An Intact Pericardium Ischemic Rodent Model
Published on: September 2, 2021
Diagnosis, treatment, and management of pericardial effusion- review
Naser Yamani1, Ayesha Abbasi1, Talal Almas2
1Department of Medicine, John H Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA.
Insights
Pericardial effusion, abnormal fluid around the heart, is diagnosed using various imaging techniques. This review covers diagnostic methods and treatments like pericardiocentesis for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Medical Imaging
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- The pericardium's normal fluid volume (10-50 ml) is crucial for hemodynamic stability.
- Pericardial effusion involves abnormal fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity, potentially impacting cardiac function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review diagnostic modalities for pericardial effusion.
- To highlight current therapeutic strategies for managing pericardial effusion.
- To assess the safety and efficacy of different diagnostic and treatment approaches.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on pericardial effusion diagnosis and treatment.
- Analysis of various imaging techniques: chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, echocardiography, CT, MRI.
- Evaluation of invasive and non-invasive treatment options: pericardiocentesis, pericardial window, sclerosing therapies.
Main Results:
- Multiple imaging modalities are available for diagnosing pericardial effusion, each with specific strengths.
- A range of treatment options exist, including pericardiocentesis and surgical interventions.
- Limited recent studies evaluate the routine clinical safety and efficacy of these approaches.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of pericardial effusion relies on a combination of clinical assessment and advanced imaging.
- Treatment selection for pericardial effusion depends on effusion characteristics and patient status.
- Further research is needed to establish optimal, evidence-based management guidelines for pericardial effusion.
Abstract:
The hemodynamic stability of the heart and pericardium are maintained by the pericardial fluid of volume ∼10-50 ml. Pericardial effusion is associated with the abnormal accumulation of pericardial fluid in the pericardial cavity. Numerous imaging techniques are utilized to evaluate pericardial effusion including chest X-ray, electrocardiogram, transthoracic echocardiography, computed tomography scan, cardiac magnetic resonance imaging, and pericardiocentesis. Once diagnosed, there are numerous treatment options available for the management of patients with pericardial effusion. These include various invasive and non-invasive strategies such as pericardiocentesis, pericardial window, and sclerosing therapies. In recent times, few studies have been conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of each approach in routine clinical practice. In this review, we review the role of different modalities in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion while highlighting existing therapies aimed at the management and treatment of pericardial effusion.
Related Concept Videos
01:17Pericarditis III: Medical Management
01:19Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
01:25Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
01:22Pericarditis I: Introduction
01:28Pleural Effusion II: Symptoms and Management
A pleural effusion is the abnormal collection of fluid between the parietal and visceral pleura layers of tissue that form the lining of the lungs and chest cavity. It can occur independently or due to surrounding parenchymal diseases, such as infection, malignancy, or inflammatory conditions.
Clinical Manifestations:
01:28Mitral Regurgitation IV: Nursing Management