What is pericardial effusion?

What is pericardial effusion?

• A. Build-up of fluid in the pericardium.
• B. Blood clot in the heart chamber
• C. Inflammation of the pericardium without fluid
• D. Narrowing of the aorta

Answer: (A)

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of fluid in the space around the heart, the pericardial sac. The sac normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid, so when excess fluid accumulates, it creates an effusion. This is different from a blood clot in a heart chamber or from inflammation of the pericardium without fluid, and it’s not related to narrowing of the aorta. An effusion can impair the heart’s ability to fill properly, and in large amounts can lead to reduced cardiac output or cardiac tamponade if it compresses the heart.

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of fluid in the space around the heart, the pericardial sac. The sac normally contains a small amount of lubricating fluid, so when excess fluid accumulates, it creates an effusion. This is different from a blood clot in a heart chamber or from inflammation of the pericardium without fluid, and it’s not related to narrowing of the aorta. An effusion can impair the heart’s ability to fill properly, and in large amounts can lead to reduced cardiac output or cardiac tamponade if it compresses the heart.