Lung cancer is the most common cause of the malignant pericardial effusion. Trauma: Blunt, penetrating, and iatrogenic injury to the myocardium, aorta, or coronary vessels can lead to the accumulation of blood within the pericardial sac.
How do you fix a pericardial effusion?
Drainage procedures or surgery to treat pericardial effusion may include: Fluid drainage (pericardiocentesis). A health care provider uses a needle to enter the pericardial space and then inserts a small tube (catheter) to drain the fluid. Imaging techniques, typically echocardiography, are used to guide the work.
What infections cause pericardial effusion?
Possible causes of pericardial effusion include: Infections. Pericardial effusion often happens because of viral or bacterial infections, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and tuberculosis (though this is less common in developed countries). It can also happen because of fungal infections or parasites.
What does pericardial effusion indicate?
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.
Is pericardial effusion an emergency?
While all significant pericardial effusions are of clinical importance, emergency drainage is needed only for patients with hemodynamic compromise. Cardiac tamponade with hemodynamic collapse is an absolute indication for emergency pericardial drainage via pericardiocentesis or surgical pericardiotomy.
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