pericardial effusion

pericardial effusion

Etymology: Gk, peri, around, kardia, heart; L, effundere, to pour out

the escape of blood or other fluid into the pericardium. Also called hydropericardium.

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pericardial

pertaining to the pericardium.

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pericardial diaphragmatic hernia

see peritoneopericardial hernia.

pericardial effusion

the second stage of pericarditis when much inflammatory exudate accumulates, part of a general edematous state or in cases of neoplasia involving the epicardium or pericardium. Characterized by enlargement of the cardiac silhouette on radiography and outline on percussion, muffling of heart sounds and congestive heart failure due to compression of the heart by cardiac tamponade.

pericardial fibrosis

a chronic change in pericarditis, leading to constriction that limits diastolic ventricular volume. See also constrictive pericarditis.

pericardial friction rub

see pericardial rub.

pericardial inflammation

see pericarditis.

pericardial knock

an early diastolic sound caused by loss of pericardial elasticity accompanying fibrosis that limits ventricular filling.

pericardial meridian points

acupuncture points located along the pericardial meridian.

pericardial paracentesis

see pericardicentesis.

pericardial tamponade

see cardiac tamponade.

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pericardial effusion

Medtalk An abnormal collection of fluid in the pericardium