What is the pathophysiology of pericardial effusion?

Pericardial effusion can result from inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) in response to illness or injury. Pericardial effusion can also occur when the flow of pericardial fluid is blocked or when blood collects within the pericardium, such as from a chest trauma.

What is the pathophysiology of pericardial tamponade?

The underlying pathology behind cardiac tamponade is a decreased in diastolic filling, which leads to a decreased cardiac output. One of the first compensatory signs is tachycardia to overcome the reduced output.

What is physiologic pericardial effusion?

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart. If too much fluid builds up, it can put pressure on the heart. This can prevent it from pumping normally. A fibrous sac called the pericardium surrounds the heart.

What infections cause pericardial effusion?

The most common cause of infectious pericarditis and myocarditis is viral….Other forms of infectious pericarditis include the following:

Pyogenic – Pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, Neisseria, Legionella species.
Tuberculous.
Fungal – Histoplasmosis, coccidioidomycosis, Candida.
Syphilitic.
Protozoal.
Parasitic.

How does pericardial effusion affect cardiac output?

Normally, as the right atrium and ventricle fill during inspiration, the pericardium limits the ability of the left-sided chambers to dilate. This contributes to the bowing of the atrial and ventricular septums to the left, which reduces left ventricular (LV) filling volumes and leads to a drop in cardiac output.

How long does pericardial effusion last?

Recovery may take several weeks or months, depending on the severity and cause of the pericardial effusion. A possible complication of pericardial effusion is cardiac tamponade, which is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention.

How do you manage pericardial effusion?

How is pericardial effusion treated?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) can be used to treat pericardial effusions caused by inflammation.
Diuretics and other heart failure medications can be used to treat pericardial effusions caused by heart failure.

How is pericardial effusion diagnosed?

Diagnosis and Tests Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest. MRI of the heart. Echocardiogram. Pericardiocentesis: a procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the pericardium; the fluid is then examined to determine the cause of the effusion.

What virus causes pericardial effusion?

The most common cause of infectious pericarditis and myocarditis is viral. Common etiologic organisms include coxsackievirus A and B, and hepatitis viruses. Other forms of infectious pericarditis include the following: Pyogenic – Pneumococci, streptococci, staphylococci, Neisseria, Legionella species.

How dangerous is a small pericardial effusion?

Fluid can also build up around the heart without inflammation, such as from bleeding after a chest trauma. Pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, affecting the heart’s function. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure or death.

What are the signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion?

Signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion include the following: Chest pain, pressure, discomfort. Light-headedness, syncope. Palpitations. Cough. Dyspnea. Hoarseness.

What are the differential diagnoses for pericardial effusion?

[Diagnosis and differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion]. From the symptomatic point of view low pressure (lax) pericardial effusion and compressive effusion (tamponade) are to be distinguished. Echocardiography is today the preferred method for study of patients with suspected pericardial effusion.

Which are physical findings suggest pericardial effusion?

A physical finding specific to pericardial effusion is dullness to percussion, bronchial breath sounds and egophony over the inferior angle of the left scapula. This phenomenon is known as Ewart’s sign and is due to compression of the left lung base.

What is the pathophysiology of pericardial effusion? Pericardial effusion can result from inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) in response to illness or injury. Pericardial effusion can also occur when the flow of pericardial fluid is blocked or when blood collects within the pericardium, such as from a chest trauma. What is the pathophysiology of pericardial…