pericardial compliance
The ability of the pericardial sac to accommodate changes in cardiac volume without significant pressure increase.
Full Definition
Pericardial compliance refers to the distensibility of the pericardial sac and its ability to accommodate variations in cardiac volume and filling. Normal pericardium has limited compliance due to its fibrous nature, but can gradually stretch to accommodate chronic volume increases. Reduced pericardial compliance occurs in conditions such as pericarditis, post-cardiac surgery, or radiation-induced pericardial disease, leading to impaired ventricular filling and ventricular interdependence. This manifests clinically as equalization of diastolic pressures, respiratory variation in ventricular filling, and symptoms of right heart failure. Assessment of pericardial compliance involves hemodynamic measurements, imaging evaluation of ventricular interaction, and clinical correlation with symptoms and physical findings.
Usage
Usage note: Should be distinguished from ventricular compliance when discussing diastolic function abnormalities.
In Context
- "Reduced pericardial compliance was evident from the marked respiratory variation in ventricular filling." — Hemodynamic assessment report
- "The patient's symptoms were attributed to decreased pericardial compliance following cardiac surgery." — Post-operative consultation note