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Rarely pericardial effusion can be caused by infection and consist of pus. An echocardiogram should be done prior to draining the fluid, if possible, to identify the cause (e.g., tumor). Drainage of the fluid (pericardiocentesis) relieves the clinical signs and, in the case of idiopathic pericarditis, can be curative. [49]
Here it can cause right-sided heart failure, arrhythmias, pericardial effusion, and cardiac tamponade. Hemangiosarcoma of the spleen or liver is the most common tumor to cause hemorrhage in the abdomen . [ 4 ]
A pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. The pericardium is a two-part membrane surrounding the heart: the outer fibrous connective membrane and an inner two-layered serous membrane .
Pulsus paradoxus is not related to pulse rate or heart rate, and it is not a paradoxical rise in systolic pressure. Normally, blood pressure drops less precipitously than 10 mmHg during inhalation. Pulsus paradoxus is a sign that is indicative of several conditions, most commonly pericardial effusion. [1]
Fluid can be removed from the pericardial space for diagnosis or to relieve tamponade using a syringe in a procedure called pericardiocentesis. [11] For cases of recurrent pericardial effusion, an operation to create a hole between the pericardial and pleural spaces can be performed, known as a pericardial window or pericardiostomy.
On a chest X-ray, the normal heart silhouette should have a clear and defined outline. However, in cases of pericardial effusion, the accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac causes the heart to appear enlarged and assumes a shape that is reminiscent of a water bottle, with relatively smooth cardiac contours. [2]
Recovery from pericardial effusion treated with pericardiectomy is typically very good. However, its use for treating constrictive pericarditis has a fairly high mortality rate, initially between 5% and 15%. [3] [4] The 5-year survival rate is around 80%. [3]
Rarely, electrical alternans may be seen, depending on the size of the effusion. [citation needed] A chest x-ray is usually normal in acute pericarditis but can reveal the presence of an enlarged heart if a pericardial effusion is present and is greater than 200 mL in volume. Conversely, patients with unexplained new onset cardiomegaly should ...