Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Implantation of Total Artificial Heart in Congenital Heart Disease
Published on: July 18, 2014
Anorexia nervosa: a cause of pericardial effusion?
Abstract:
Echocardiographic studies revealed the presence of pericardial effusion in 4 patients with anorexia nervosa, whose weights had fallen by 38 to 53% of their body weight at the onset of disease. Each patient had a normal or small cardiac image on chest roentgenogram. The presence of increased pericardial fluid may partially explain the decreased voltage on the electrocardiogram, and the distant heart sounds heard in some of these patients. The cause of the pericardial effusion is not clear. It may possibly occur in other diseases that produce marked weight loss and cachexia.
Related Concept Videos
Imbalances in Cardiac Output
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 blood...
Pericarditis I: Introduction
Pericarditis II: Clinical Features and Diagnostic Tests
Pericarditis III: Medical Management
Pericarditis IV: Nursing Management
Anorexia Nervosa
Symptoms and Physical Effects
Individuals with anorexia nervosa commonly exhibit extreme...

