![]() ![]() It is more commonly seen with viral and bacterial infections but less frequently, it may be due to fungal, protozoal or parasitic infections. It can also arise with inflammation of the myocardium (myocarditis) – the muscular layer of the heart. This is a leading cause of acute cases and is usually due to an infection of the pericardium (infectious pericarditis). ![]() ![]() Causes of Fluid Around the Heart Infections Hemorrhagic effusion is when blood is mixed with the exudate while a purulent effusion is the collection of pus around the heart and seen in infectious causes. A fibrinous effusion contains fibrin (fibrinous exudate) which can become organized and form adhesions. The inflammatory infiltrate contains a few lymphocytes and does not differ significantly from normal pericardial fluid. This is discussed further along with possible causes under types of pericarditis.Ī serous effusion is associated with irritation of the pericardium with an excess of fluid secreted by the visceral layer of the serous pericardium. The nature of the disease that causes pericarditis contributes to the type of fluid that will accumulate in the pericardial space. A pericardial effusion is therefore an abnormal and excess amount of fluid around the heart within the pericardial space.Īn effusion is often associated with pericarditis – inflammation of the pericardium. Although the pericardial space can accommodate small volumes of fluid, even beyond the 15 to 50 milliliters of pericardial fluid it normally contains, an excess will ultimately restrict the heart movement and compress the heart. It is commonly referred to as fluid around the heart since the visceral layer is continuous with the epicardium – the outermost layer of the heart wall. What is a pericardial effusion?Ī pericardial effusion is the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space between the parietal and visceral layers of the pericardium. However, excess fluid can accumulate within this cavity and cause a host of signs and symptoms. Within this space is a small amount of fluid known as the pericardial fluid that serves as a lubricant for the constantly beating heart. A potential space therefore exists between the visceral and parietal layers of the pericardium in between known as the pericardial space. The parietal layer of the serous epicardium is fused with the fibrous pericardium. The visceral layer of the serous pericardium is attached to the heart and makes up the outer layer of the heart wall known as the epicardium. The inner lying serous pericardium is in turn composed of two linings – the parietal and visceral layers of the serous pericardium. The heart is surrounded by a sac known as the pericardium, which is made up of two layers – the fibrous and serous pericardium. ![]()
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