Pericardial Effusion

Overview

Pericardial effusion is accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac.

The clinical effect depends on fluid volume, rate of accumulation, and pericardial compliance.

Causes

Causes include infection, malignancy, inflammation, renal disease, trauma, post-procedural states, and systemic disorders.

Clinical Features

Small effusions may be asymptomatic. Large or rapidly developing effusions may cause dyspnea, chest discomfort, hypotension, and elevated venous pressure.

Investigation & Management

Echocardiography is the key investigation for assessing size and hemodynamic effect.

Management depends on the cause and hemodynamic significance and may require pericardial drainage.

Clinical Pearls