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They found that the fluid is made up of a high concentration of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), protein and lymphocytes. In a healthy adult there is up to 50 ml of clear, straw-coloured fluid. [3] However, there is little data on the normal composition of pericardial fluid to serve as a reference. [4] [5]
A pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid ... fluid accumulation beyond the normal amount leads to an increased intrapericardial pressure which ...
[3] [4] Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency in which excessive accumulation of fluid within the pericardium (pericardial effusion) creates increased pressure. [5] This prevents the heart from filling normally with blood. This can critically decrease the amount of blood that is pumped from the heart, causing obstructive shock, which can be ...
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]
Though it only contains a small amount of fluid normally, it can sometimes accumulate fluid or air that widens the space. [2] The pericardial space is another potential space that may fill with fluid (effusion) in certain disease states (e.g. pericarditis; a large pericardial effusion may result in cardiac tamponade).
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]
Whether an effusion causes tamponade depends on the amount of fluid and how long it took to accumulate. When fluid collects slowly, the pericardium can stretch. Thus, a chronic effusion can be as large as 1 liter. [20] Acute effusions can cause tamponade when small because the tissue does not have time to stretch. [21]