User:Mr. Ibrahem/Pericardial effusion

Pericardial effusion is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space around the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain, shortness of breath, and tiredness. Onset may be sudden or gradual. Complications may include cardiac tamponade with low blood pressure, fast heart rate, jugular venous distension, and distant heart sounds.

In the developed world the most common cause is viral pericarditis. Other causes include infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer, trauma, following a heart attack, thoracic aortic dissection, kidney failure, low thyroid, and cirrhosis. Diagnosis is confirmed by ultrasound of the heart. Normal levels of pericardial fluid are from 15 to 50 ml.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, size of the effusion, and a person's symptoms. Small effusions may be managed conservatively while large effusions may be treated with pericardiocentesis. Pericardial effusions are relatively common. They were first described around 200 AD by Galen.