11. pericardial effusion

Question 1

which layer of the pericardium covers the heart

Answer 1

visceral pericardium

Question 2

why is rapid pericardium effusion bad

Answer 2

increased pressure, pushes on ventricular walls which leads to decreased filling and decreased cardiac out which leads to decreased perfusion

• if slow, the pericardium can stetch to help heart pump

Question 3

potential causes of pericardial effusion

Answer 3

left atrial splitting
cancer
idiopathic

Question 4

what is left atrial splitting

Answer 4

ventricle wall thick, MR, jet from ventricle into atria would cause damage and thinning of atria until it pops