Pericardial Effusion.
The normal pericardial sac contains up to 50 mL of fluid, which consists of a plasma ultrafiltrate. Anything greater constitutes a pathologic effusion. The curvilinear pressure-volume relationship of the pericardial sac dictates hemodynamic consequences of a pericardial effusion and is responsible for rapidly accumulating fluid that causes cardiac tamponade. A variety of diseases and complications cause pericardial effusion. The most common are idiopathic pericarditis, cancer, connective tissue disorders, and hemorrhage. Management of pericardial effusion is dictated by whether tamponade is present or threatened. If it is, urgent/emergent pericardiocentesis is indicated. If not, a systematic approach to diagnosis and management should be undertaken.
['Azarbal|Amir|A|', 'LeWinter|Martin M|MM|']
D001424:Bacterial Infections D002305:Cardiac Tamponade D004452:Echocardiography D004562:Electrocardiography D006338:Heart Neoplasms D006470:Hemorrhage D006801:Humans D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging D010490:Pericardial Effusion D000069236:Pericardial Fluid D020519:Pericardiocentesis D010493:Pericarditis D013902:Radiography, Thoracic D051436:Renal Insufficiency, Chronic D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Pericardial effusion Cardiac tamponade Pericarditis Pericardiocentesis Echocardiography