![]() In rare cases, it may be necessary to have a part of the pericardium removed surgically. The provider can also send the fluid for testing, if the cause of the pericardial effusion is not clear. During this procedure, a specialist inserts a drain inside the pericardium to remove the fluid around the heart. In serious cases, a procedure called a pericardiocentesis may be needed, especially if the fluid is significantly affecting heart function. If the effusion is caused by pericarditis, there are some medications that can help with the inflammation and associated pain. And the effusion would eventually resolve on its own. In this case, your healthcare provider would simply monitor your condition. For mild cases, sometimes no treatment is needed. The treatment for a pericardial effusion depends on how big it is, the symptoms, and what is causing it. ![]() These signs can also show up on chest X-rays, CT scans, and MRIs. Your provider might see some signs of a pericardial effusion on an electrocardiogram (ECG). Other studies can find pericardial effusions, as well. With this test, providers can measure the amount of fluid and observe how much it is affecting heart function. The best way to diagnose a pericardial effusion is with an echocardiogram. This is because the body has had time to adjust to the fluid. Sometimes, if the fluid builds up slowly over time, people may not notice any symptoms from the pericardial effusion. Inability to tolerate even light exercise, like walking Shortness of breath, which can also be worse when lying flat If the pericardial effusion is big enough to affect the heart’s ability to pumpĬommon symptoms of a pericardial effusion include:Ĭhest pain, which can often be worse when lying flat With pericardial effusions, the symptoms can vary based on: ![]() What are symptoms of a pericardial effusion? In some cases, the exact cause of a person’s pericardial effusion isn’t able to be determined, even after a lot of testing. Increased inflammation in the body and cancer spreading to the pericardium are two possible causes.Īutoimmune conditions: These conditions, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, also cause inflammation throughout the body. Like heart failure, this can lead to extra fluid around the heart, too.Ĭancers: Different cancers can cause a pericardial effusion for a couple of different reasons. Kidney failure: When the kidneys are not functioning at 100%, fluid and toxins can build up in the body. This could happen from a penetrating injury or a severe blunt injury to the chest. Trauma: Any injury to the heart could cause bleeding into the pericardial sac. This can cause blood - not fluid - to collect around the heart. This extra fluid can collect in many different parts of the body, like the lungs, legs, and around the heart.Īortic dissection: This is a serious condition in which the walls of the aorta (a large artery in the chest and abdomen) start to tear. Heart failure: If the heart isn’t able to pump blood forward well enough, fluid can build up behind the heart. This also leads to inflammation that can result in excess fluid. ![]() Heart attack: When the blood supply to the heart is blocked off, the heart muscle gets damaged and heart cells can die. The inflammation results in the abnormal buildup of fluid inside the pericardium It is often caused by viral infections or autoimmune diseases. Pericarditis: This is a condition in which the pericardium gets inflamed. Some examples of conditions that can cause a pericardial effusion are: Others affect the entire body and not the heart specifically. Some of these conditions involve the heart and nearby blood vessels. Many different medical conditions can cause a pericardial effusion, a collection of fluid around the heart.
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