Pericardial effusion
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Pericardial effusion ("fluid around the heart") is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. Because of the limited amount of space in the pericardial cavity, fluid accumulation will lead to an increased intrapericardial pressure and this can negatively affect heart function. When there is a pericardial effusion with enough pressure to adversely affect heart function, this is called cardiac tamponade. Pericardial effusion usually results from a disturbed equilibrium between the production and re-absorption of pericardial fluid, or from a structural abnormality that allows fluid to enter the pericardial cavity. Normal amount of fluid present in the pericardium - 15 to 50 mL.
TYPES It may be transudative(Congestive heart failure, Myxoedema, Nephrotic Syndrome), exudative(tuberculosis, spread from empyema) or haemorrhagic(trauma, rupture of aneuryms, malignant effusion).
SYMPTOMS Chest pain, pressure symptoms. A small effusion may have no symptoms.
Pericardial effusion is also present after a specific type of heart defect repair. An Atrial Septal Defect Secundum, or ASD, when repaired will most likely produce a pericardial effusion due to one of the methods of repair. One repair method of an ASD is to take a piece of the peridcardial tissue and use it as a patch for the hole in the atrial cavity.
For more information see: http://www.webmd.com/hw/health_guide_atoz/stp1475.asp?navbar=hw233131
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