pericardial effusion
Abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space surrounding the heart, which may impair cardiac filling.
Full Definition
Pericardial effusion is the pathological collection of fluid within the pericardial sac that normally contains only a small amount of lubricating pericardial fluid. The effusion may be serous, hemorrhagic, purulent, or chylous, depending on the underlying etiology. When the fluid accumulates rapidly or in large volumes, it can compress the heart and impair ventricular filling, leading to cardiac tamponade. In cardiothoracic surgery, pericardial effusions may develop post-operatively due to surgical trauma, bleeding, or inflammatory responses. Management ranges from observation to pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage.
Usage
Usage note: Always specify the size (small, moderate, large) and hemodynamic significance when present in clinical reports.
In Context
- "Post-operative echocardiography demonstrated a moderate pericardial effusion without hemodynamic compromise." — imaging report
- "The large pericardial effusion required urgent pericardiocentesis to relieve tamponade physiology." — emergency department note