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Pericardial effusion

Pericardial space refers to the space between the heart and the cavity surrounding the heart. The heart is located inside a sac, the pericardial sac. Normally, this space is compressed against the chest wall by the expanded heart. Certain cancers can spread to this space and cause irritation and fluid production. Accumulation of fluids in this space is called "Pericardial Effusion."

Symptoms:

Symptoms of pericardial effusion depend on the amount of fluid in the space -- the more fluid, the more symptoms a patient will have. Among the most common signs of this problem are:

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Cough

• Low blood pressure

• Weakness and fatigue

Diagnosis:

A diagnosis can be established on physical examination of the chest, by chest X-ray or CT scan of the chest. The most sensitive test to diagnose this condition is Ultrasound study of the heart. At times, it becomes necessary to take a sample of this fluid for evaluation and laboratory study. This procedure is called "Pericardial Tap" and is done by inserting a needle in the space and draining some of the fluid.

Treatment:

There is more than one approach to treating this condition:

• Treatment of the underlying cancer

• Drainage of the fluid from the chest with a tube

• Surgical drainage procedure by creating an opening in the pericardial sac, which will allow drainage of the fluid into the chest cavity," Pericardial Window."