What is pericardial effusion?

**What is pericardial effusion or pericardial effusion?** Pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the space between the two layers of the pericardium (the thin membrane that surrounds the heart). Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between these two layers that helps the pericardium move smoothly. 1.... **inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis)** - caused by **viral**, **bacterial**, **fungal** or autoimmune diseases**.... 2.... **infection** - such as tuberculosis, pneumonia or some viruses.... 3.... pericardium.... 4.... **autoimmune diseases** - such as **lupus or arthritis Rheumatoid** which causes inflammation of the pericardium.... 5.... **Kidney failure** – which can lead to the accumulation of toxins in the body and **increasing fluid in the pericardium**.... 6...*****Heart injury or heart surgery *****..Surgery or a direct blow to the chest**.... 7....**Thyroid problems** - Hypothyroidism sometimes causes fluid accumulation in the body, including in Pericardium**..... 8.... **Radiotherapy or chemotherapy** - especially in cancer patients who have undergone these treatments..... **Symptoms of pericardial effusion** **Symptoms of pericardial effusion disease** depend on the amount of fluid and the speed of its accumulation. In some cases, a person may not have any symptoms, but in acute conditions, the following symptoms appear: - **chest pain** - usually worsens when lying down or taking a deep breath... - **shortness of breath** - due to pressure on the heart and reduced pumping capacity... - **general fatigue and weakness** - caused by decreased heart function... - **swelling in the legs or abdomen** - in severe cases that causes blood circulation disorders... - **lowering blood pressure** - in acute conditions, a person may experience a sudden drop in blood pressure... in case of excessive fluid increase It may cause cardiac tamponade, which is a dangerous and emergency situation that can disrupt the function of the heart.... **Diagnosis of pericardial effusion** **Diagnosis of pericardial effusion** is usually done by performing the following tests: 1.... **Echocardiography (heart ultrasound)** - the best method to evaluate the amount of fluid in the pericardium.... 2.... **Electrocardiogram (ECG)** - examining changes in heart rhythm that may be a sign of fluid pressure.... 3.... **X-ray imaging of the chest**** - can be due to increased volume of fluid in the heart...scan or MRI of the heart** - to examine the structure of the heart and the amount of pericardial fluid in more detail.... 5.... **blood test** - to check the presence of inflammation, infection or kidney problems... **The treatment method depends on the cause and severity of the disease.** Treatment options include the following: ### **1.... drug treatment** - **anti-inflammatory drugs** (such as **ibuprofen**, **aspirin** or **corticosteroids**) if the **effusion is caused by inflammation**... - **antibiotics** if bacterial infection is the main cause....heart problems...### **2... pericardiocentesis (evacuation of pericardial fluid)** In cases where the accumulation of fluid is severe and damages the heart's function, the doctor drains the excess fluid through a special needle. In severe or frequent cases, surgery may be necessary to create a permanent path for fluid to exit the pericardium... 1.... **cardiac tamponade** - an excessive increase in fluid compresses the heart and can lead to acute heart failure and shock.... 2.... **heart failure** - if untreated, it can lead to a decrease in heart function and an increased risk of cardiac arrest... 3.... **severe infections** - if there is an infection, the disease may lead to spread to other parts of the body... **pericardial effusion** is an important and sometimes dangerous disease... which can be caused by various reasons... mild to severe and in severe cases can cause cardiac tamponade, which is an emergency situation... diagnosis is made with the help of medical imaging and specialized tests, and depending on the underlying cause, its treatment includes medication, fluid drainage, and in severe cases, surgery...