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Pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion is a collection of fluid around the heart in excess of the usual 15 to 50mls of pericardial fluid. 

It is often associated with pericarditis – 60% of cases of pericarditis are accompanied by a pericardial effusion. 

Causes include: 
  • Malignancy (especially lung, breast, leukaemia, lymphoma) 
  • Idiopathic 
  • Trauma 
  • Uraemia
  • Radiation
  • Postoperative 
  • Infection 
  • Connective tissue disease 
  • Hypothyroidism

Management 
  • Depends on aetiology 
  • Pericardiocentesis only if: 
    • Tamponade
    • Suspicion of purulent pericarditis 
    • Chronic large effusion

Complication: Cardiac tamponade


References:

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Secret collector of interesting anonymised ECGs. Fan of the Bath Photomarathon. Lover of cream teas. [Sarah Hudson] (Your Picture)