Pericardial effusion (per-e-KAHR-dee-ul uh-FU-zhun) is the accumulation of too much fluid in the double-layered, sac-like structure around the heart (pericardium).
The space between the layers normally contains a thin layer of fluid. But if the pericardium is diseased or injured, the resulting inflammation can lead to excess fluid. Fluid can also build up around the heart without inflammation, such as from bleeding after a chest trauma.
Pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, affecting the heart's function. If untreated, it can lead to heart failure or death.
You can have significant pericardial effusion without signs or symptoms, particularly if the fluid has increased slowly.
If pericardial effusion symptoms do occur, they might include:
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing (dyspnea)
- Discomfort when breathing while lying down (orthopnea)
- Chest pain, usually behind the breastbone or on the left side of the chest
- Chest fullness
Pericardial effusion can result from inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) in response to illness or injury. Pericardial effusion can also occur when the flow of pericardial fluids is blocked or when blood accumulates within the pericardium, such as from a chest trauma.
Sometimes the cause can't be determined (idiopathic pericarditis).
Causes of pericardial effusion can include:
- Inflammation of the pericardium following heart surgery or a heart attack
- Autoimmune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Spread of cancer (metastasis), particularly lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, leukemia, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease
- Cancer of the pericardium or heart
- Radiation therapy for cancer if the heart was within the field of radiation
- Chemotherapy treatment for cancer, such as doxorubicin (Doxil) and cyclophosphamide
- Waste products in the blood due to kidney failure (uremia)
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections
- Trauma or puncture wound near the heart
- Certain prescription drugs, including hydralazine, a medication for high blood pressure; isoniazid, a tuberculosis drug; and phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, others), a medication for epileptic seizures
Depending on how quickly pericardial effusion develops, the pericardium can stretch somewhat to accommodate the excess fluid. However, too much fluid causes the pericardium to put pressure on the heart, which keeps the chambers from filling completely.
This condition, called tamponade (tam-pon-AYD), results in poor blood circulation and an inadequate supply of oxygen to the body. Tamponade is life-threatening and requires emergent/urgent attention.
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