Definition.
Pericardial effusion is the presence of an abnormal amount of
and/or an abnormal character to fluid in the pericardial space. It can be
caused by a variety of local and systemic disorders, or it may be idiopathic.
Pericardial effusions can be acute or chronic, and the time course
of development has a great impact on the patient's symptoms. Treatment varies,
and is directed at removal of the pericardial fluid and alleviation of the
underlying cause, which usually is determined by a combination of fluid
analysis and correlation with comorbid illnesses.