Pleural Effusions

Pericardial effusion refers to the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity (the layer that surrounds the heart). There is a limited amount of space in the pericardial cavity, and if enough fluid accumulates, it can lead to an increase in the pericardial pressure and reduce the normal ventricular filling. Pericardial effusions can be acute or chronic, and

When a large enough volume of fluid accumulates, so that ventricular filling is compromised, it is referred to as "cardiac tamponade ".

What can cause Pericardial effusion?

• pericarditis

• Certain infections

• Renal failure

• heart surgery

• inflammatory disorders such as lupus

• Post-myocardial infarction pericarditis (also known as Dressler's syndrome)

• Cancer that has spread to the pericardium

What are the symptoms Pericardial effusion?

clinical manifestations of pericardial effusion are highly dependent on the speed of accumulation of fluid in the pericardial prostoru.Brže rates of accumulation, a small amount of fluid needed to cause symptoms.

small pericardial effusion May have no symptoms at all. Larger effusions may present with chest pain or pressure symptoms. Typically, pericardial pain is relieved sitting and leaning forward, and aggravated by lying in a supine position.

There May also be signs of cardiac compromise, such as dizziness, fainting spells, shortness of breath, palpitations, swollen feet and ankles, etc.

How Pericardial effusion diagnosed?

After conducting clinical interviews, your doctor will perform a thorough physical examination to look after the following characters:

• Beck's triad of pericardial tamponade:. (I) muffled heart sounds, (ii) raised jugular venous pressure, (iii) hypotension

• Pericardial friction rub: When pericarditis is present, high-pitched grating sound sometimes heard. This sound is heard mostly during expiration when the patient is upright and leaning forward.

• Pulses paradoxus and widened pulse pressure

• Signs of congestive heart failure, such as raised jugular venous pressure, edema of the lower extremities, etc.

Research:

Chest x-ray:. Showing an increased cardiac silhouette, may also show pleural effusion

Electrocardiogram:. Electric power were observed to be lower than normal

echocardiogram:. Pericardial effusions appear as "echo-free" space between the pericardial layers

Pericardiocentesis: This procedure is used for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Basically, a needle is inserted into the pericardial space and fluid is withdrawn. It is immediately released in the pericardial pressure, and fluid can also be sent to the laboratory tests.

How Pericardial effusion treated?

Treatment depends on the cause and severity of damage to cardiac function. Pericardial effusion due to viral etiology is often spontaneously resolve after a few weeks even without treatment. Pericardial effusion due to inflammatory conditions such as lupus are often treated with anti-inflammatory agents.

If cardiac function is impaired due to the outburst, then the pressure can be relieved with pericardiocentesis or surgical creation of pericardial window.