WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:

What is pericardial effusion? Pericardial effusion is a buildup of fluid in the pericardium. The pericardium is a 2-layer sac that surrounds the heart. The sac normally contains a small amount of clear fluid between its layers. This allows the heart to move smoothly against other organs in the chest as it beats. The buildup of fluid may affect how the heart works.

What causes pericardial effusion? The cause may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following:

• Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone), or kidney failure
  
  
• Infections of the pericardium caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites
  
  
• Inflammation of the pericardium, called pericarditis
  
  
• Injury or trauma that damages the pericardium, such as a puncture wound in the chest, or a heart attack
  
  
• Procedures such as heart surgery or radiation therapy near the heart

What are the signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion? You may not have any symptoms, or you may have any of the following:

• Chest pain
  
  
• Cough
  
  
• Feeling lightheaded or faint
  
  
• Swelling of your legs and feet
  
  
• Shortness of breath, especially when lying down
  
  
• Trouble swallowing food

How is pericardial effusion diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your health and the medicines you are taking. You may need any of the following tests:

• An EKG test records your heart rhythm and how fast your heart beats. It is used to check for damage or problems in your heart.
  
  
• Blood tests may be done to look for signs of infection or other possible causes of pericardial effusion.
  
  
• A chest x-ray is a picture of your lungs and heart. Chest x-rays may show fluid around the heart and lungs.
  
  
• An echocardiogram is a type of ultrasound. Sound waves are used to show the structure and function of your heart.
  
  
• A CT or MRI scan takes pictures of your chest. The pictures may show fluid around your heart or other problems. You may be given a dye before the pictures are taken to help healthcare providers see your heart better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast dye. Do not enter the MRI room with anything metal. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell the healthcare provider if you have any metal in or on your body.
  
  
• Pericardiocentesis is a procedure used to take a sample of fluid from the pericardial sac with a needle. The fluid is sent to a lab for tests.

How is pericardial effusion treated? Treatment depends on the cause of your pericardial effusion. You may need any of the following:

• Antibiotics help treat an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Steroids help decrease swelling.
  
  
• NSAIDs help decrease swelling and pain or fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
  
  
• A balloon procedure is done to drain extra fluid. A needle is put into the pericardium and a guidewire is threaded through the needle. The needle is then removed. A catheter (thin tube) with a balloon at its end is passed over the guidewire into the correct position in the pericardium. The balloon is inflated and deflated several times to create an opening for the fluid to drain out.
  
  
• Catheter placement is a procedure that may be done to drain extra fluid. An incision is made in your chest below the breast bone. A catheter is put through the incision into the pericardium. The catheter is left in place to drain the extra fluid out of your body.
  
  
• Pericardiocentesis may also be done. During this procedure, extra fluid is removed with a syringe through a needle put into your chest. This may be done to quickly remove fluid that is pressing on your heart and affecting how it beats.
  
  
• Surgery may be done to remove part or most of the pericardium.

When should I contact my healthcare provider?

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.

When should I seek immediate care or call 911?

• You feel lightheaded or faint.
  
  
• You have swelling in your legs or feet.
  
  
• You have shortness of breath.
  
  
• Your chest pain does not get better or becomes worse.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.