PERICARDIAL EFFUSION Flashcards
1
Q
Introduction (4)
A
1- Exudation of fluid into the pericardial space
2- Can occur after acute pericarditis or associated with salt and water retention conditions (e.g. CHF, cirrhosis, nephrotic syndrome) or trauma
3- Chronic accumulation of fluid may cause the pericardium to stretch to accommodate 2L (over weeks to months)
4- Physical Examination: muffled heart sound, dullness at the left lung base (pericardial fluid)
2
Q
Investigations (5)
A
1- Echo: procedure of choice
2- CXR: cardiomegaly without pulmonary vascular congestion, FLASK SHAPE APPEARANCE
3- ECG
4- CT and MRI: very accurate but often unnecessary
5- Pericardial fluid analysis: to know the cause of the effusion
3
Q
Treatment
A
Most resolve spontaneously. If not —> pericardiocentesis
