Pericardial effusion
Pericardial effusion
Overview
Pericardial effusion (per-e-KAHR-dee-ul
uh-FU-zhun) is the buildup of too much fluid in the double-layered, saclike
structure around the heart (pericardium).
The space between these layers typically
contains a thin layer of fluid. But if the pericardium is diseased or injured,
the resulting inflammation can lead to excess fluid. Fluid can also build up
around the heart without inflammation, such as from bleeding, related to a
cancer or after chest trauma.
Pericardial effusion can put pressure on the
heart, affecting how the heart works. If untreated, it may lead to heart
failure or death in extreme cases.
Symptoms
Pericardial effusion may not cause any
noticeable signs and symptoms, particularly if the fluid has increased slowly.
If pericardial effusion signs and symptoms do
occur, they might include:
·
Shortness of breath or
difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
·
Discomfort when
breathing while lying down
·
Chest pain, usually
behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest
·
Chest fullness
·
Lightheadedness or
feeling faint
·
Swelling in the
abdomen or legs
When to see a doctor
Call 911 or your local emergency number if you
feel chest pain that lasts more than a few minutes, if your breathing is
difficult or painful, or if you have an unexplained fainting spell.
See your health care provider if you have
shortness of breath.
Causes
Pericardial effusion can result from
inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) after an illness or injury. In
some settings, large effusions may be caused by certain cancers. A blockage of
pericardial fluids or a collection of blood within the pericardium also can
lead to this condition.
Sometimes the cause can't be determined
(idiopathic pericarditis).
Causes of pericardial effusion may include:
·
Autoimmune disorders,
such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
·
Cancer of the heart or
pericardium
·
Spread of cancer
(metastasis), particularly lung cancer, breast cancer or Hodgkin's lymphoma
·
Radiation therapy for
cancer if the heart was in the area of the radiation
·
Chest trauma
·
Inflammation of the
pericardium following a heart attack or after heart surgery or a procedure
where the heart's lining is injured
·
Underactive thyroid
(hypothyroidism)
·
Use of certain drugs
or exposure to toxins
·
Viral, bacterial,
fungal or parasitic infections
·
Waste products in the
blood due to kidney failure (uremia)
Complications
A potential complication of pericardial
effusion is cardiac tamponade (tam-pon-AYD). In this condition, the excess
fluid within the pericardium puts pressure on the heart. The strain prevents
the heart chambers from filling completely with blood.
Cardiac tamponade results in poor blood flow
and a lack of oxygen to the body. Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening and
requires emergency medical treatment.
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