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Pericardial effusion corresponds to the accumulation of blood or liquids in the membrane that surrounds the heart, the pericardium, resulting in cardiac tamponade, which directly interferes with the flow of blood to the organs and tissues, and, therefore, is considered a serious and that should be dealt with as soon as possible.
This situation is, in most cases, a consequence of inflammation of the pericardium, known as pericarditis, which can be caused by bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases, cardiovascular changes. It is important that the cause of pericarditis and, consequently, of pericardial effusion is identified so that treatment can be started.
Pericardial effusion can be cured when diagnosis is made as soon as symptoms appear and treatment is started soon after, according to the cardiologist's guidelines, making it possible to avoid fatal complications to the heart.
Symptoms of pericardial effusion
The symptoms of pericardial effusion vary according to the speed of fluid accumulation and the amount accumulated in the pericardial space, which directly influences the severity of the disease. Stroke symptoms are related to a change in the supply of blood and oxygen to the body, which can result in:
- Difficulty breathing;
- Worsening of tiredness when lying down;
- Chest pain, usually behind the sternum or on the left side of the chest;
- Cough;
- Low fever;
- Increased heart rate.
The diagnosis of pericardial effusion is made by the cardiologist based on the assessment of signs and symptoms presented by the person, analysis of health history, and tests such as cardiac auscultation, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram.
Main causes
Pericardial effusion is usually a consequence of inflammation of the pericardium, known as pericarditis, and this can happen due to infections by bacteria, viruses or fungi, autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, hypothyroidism, use of medications to control high blood pressure, or due to the accumulation of urea in the blood as a result of kidney failure.
In addition, pericarditis can happen due to cancer of the heart, metastasis of lung, breast or leukemia cancer, or due to injuries or trauma to the heart. Thus, these situations can cause inflammation of the tissue that lines the heart and favor the accumulation of fluids in this region, giving rise to pericardial effusion. Learn more about pericarditis.
How treatment should be
The treatment for pericarditis is indicated by the cardiologist according to the cause of the stroke, the amount of fluid accumulated and the consequence it can bring to the functioning of the heart.
Thus, in the case of mild pericardial effusion, in which there is a low risk of impaired cardiac function, treatment consists of the use of drugs such as aspirin, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or corticosteroids such as prednisolone, which reduce inflammation. and the symptoms of the disease.
However, if there is a risk of heart problems, it may be necessary to withdraw this liquid through:
- Pericardiocentesis: procedure that consists of inserting a needle and a catheter into the pericardial space to drain the accumulated fluid;
- Surgery: used to drain the fluid and repair lesions in the pericardium that cause the stroke;
- Pericardiectomy: consists of the removal, through surgery, of part or all of the pericardium, used mainly in the treatment of recurrent pericardial effusions.
Thus, it is important that the diagnosis and treatment be made as brief as possible to avoid the occurrence of complications.