Diagnostic finding

Pericardial effusion

An abnormal accumulation of serous, hemorrhagic, or exudative fluid within the pericardial space surrounding the heart, which can impair cardiac filling and hemodynamics when sufficiently large or rapidly developing. Possible causes are pericarditis, infections (HIV, coxsackievirus, tuberculosis, fungal, parasitic), autoimmune (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), malignancy (lung/breast cancer), heart failure, myocardial infarction, kidney failure, trauma, medical procedure, and hypothyroidism.

Also known as: Pericardial fluid accumulation, Hydropericardium, Hemopericardium, Chylopericardium

Referencing diagnoses

Note: Lists existing diagnoses in Diagnotize only.