Pericardial Effusion

Question: Pericardial effusion? Hi, I had a Ct scan of the chest with oral and IV contrast. The results were that I had pericardial effusion. The symptoms that I have been having that are probably related to this issue are: Chest pain behind the breast bone, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, dizziness/lightheaded-ness, random low-grade fevers, occasional dry cough, and the chest pain seems to improve when I lean forward and worsen when I lie flat. I am only 18, but these symptoms are affecting my life pretty badly and I have tried medications (Aspirin and such) to help the problem. It has not went away or improved, so is there another option for treatment of this condition? I am only 18, but

Answer: Treatment for pericardial effusion will depend first on, what exactly is causing the effusion, how much fluid has accumulated in the lungs (one reason why you have the dry cough and shortness of breath), and whether it has caused (or is likely to cause) impaired heart function due to the pressure on the heart. If there is no evidence of tamponade, (impaired heart function) your doctor may have you try an anti-inflammatory such as Indocin, Motrin, or Advil. If that doesn't help, he may suggest/prescribe a corticosteroid such as prednisone. Once you see your doctor to review the results of your CT scan I'm sure all these questions will be answered for you appropriately. Specific treatment depends on so many variables it's best to wait and do as your doctor suggests. I hope you'll be feeling better soon.

Question: How are pericardial effusion and ovarian cysts related?Can anyone please help me on this topic?

Answer: Pericardial effusion ("fluid around the heart") is an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity. Because of the limited amount of space in the pericardial cavity, fluid accumulation will lead to an increased intrapericardial pressure and this can negatively affect heart function. Pericardial effusion usually results from a disturbed equilibrium between the production and re-absorption of pericardial fluid, or from a structural abnormality that allows fluid to enter the pericardial cavity. An ovarian cyst is any collection of fluid, surrounded by a very thin wall, within an ovary. Any ovarian follicle that is larger than about two centimeters is termed an ovarian cyst. An ovarian cyst can be as small as a pea, or larger than a cantaloupe.Most ovarian cysts are functional in nature, and harmless (benign). In the US, ovarian cysts are found in nearly all premenopausal women, and in up to 14.8% of postmenopausal women. The incidence of ovarian carcinoma is approximately 15 cases per 100,000 women per year. Ovarian cysts affect women of all ages. They occur most often, however, during a woman's childbearing years. They both are pretty much fluid built up. =]

Question: I had an echo that came back and it said I have a small hemodynamically and significant pericardial effusion.? It also said that Clinical correlation is advised. I have had respitory infections with chest pain. I am only 42, should I be concerned about this?

Answer: You need to follow up with your Dr so he can discuss the results of the echo with you.....he has knowledge of your medical history and such, a lay person cannot answer such a question, nor could a professional without all of your medical history. Maybe more tests will be required to find out the source of the pericardial effusion.

Question: what are the treatment plans for a person with Pericardial effusion?

Answer: it depends really. Depends on the severity of the effusion, the health of the person, and if there are immediate complications of it. This isn't the place to diagnose or determine appropriate treatment, only the doctor treating you cna do that. Sometimes, very minor effusions can resolve themselves. Very acute and severe pericardial effusions can compress the heart in a process called cardiac tamponade, which is life threatening and must be drained immediately through a needle. It really depends on a lot of things...

Question: My mother (54) had chest pain while deep breath and was diagnosed pericardial effusion and high ESR in blood? My mother (54) had chest pain while deep breath and was diagnosed pericardial effusion and high ESR in blood. Want to know what is the effect of high ESR rate. Is it serious or curable? She has no BP and pulse is normal. Expecting reply.. Tnx

Answer: The ESR is just a sign of inflammation. High ESR rates can be caused by: Anemia Kidney diseases Arthritis Lupus Tuberculosis One thing that CAN effect the ESR rate is pericarditis which occurs after a heart attack. If she has pericardial effusion, that may well be a possibility.

Question: What is pericardial effusion? and what does 2mm of calcific density posteriorly?

Answer: Fluid build up around your heart. 2mm calcified density could mean a blockage in the artery in the back or under side of your heart.

Question: Pericardial Effusion---need advice? I have a 7 year old, overweight miniature pinscher. He collapsed and went unconscious while on a walk. After going to the ER we were told he had a pericardial effusion. Some past indications: labored breathing for about 10-14 days prior to the collapse. They did a pericardiocentesis and let me take KY home. This was about 2am. The fluid from the extraction was sent into the lab. Results won't be in until Tuesday, possibly Wednesday. He seemed fine, a little lethargic, but breathing well. Around 9pm this day(about 19 hours after procedure) he starts to get all frisky and acting like his old self, finally eating and drinking. A little gassy, but otherwise himself. Well, at 10:30 KY starts to have some difficulty breathing. The labored breathing is about the same as it was for the previous 10-14 days before the collapse. Unfortunately, cost is an issue. We have made the decision to wait for results from the testing of the fluid. The question I ask is this: do I take him in and spend the $500 to have the echocardiogram and consultation with the cardiologist or wait until I get the test results back? In the meantime, do I have them do another pericardiocentesis? Please advise. I have a 7 year old, overweight miniature pinscher. He collapsed and went unconscious while on a walk. After going to the ER we were told he had a pericardial effusion. Some past indications: labored breathing for about 10-14 days prior to the collapse.They did a pericardiocentesis and let me take KY home. This was about 2am. The fluid from the extraction was sent into the lab. Results won't be in until Tuesday, possibly Wednesday. He seemed fine, a little lethargic, but breathing well. Around 9pm this day(about 19 hours after procedure) he starts to get all frisky and acting like his old self, finally eating and drinking. A little gassy, but otherwise himself. Well, at 10:30 KY starts to have some difficulty breathing. The labored breathing is about the same as it was for the previous 10-14 days before the collapse. We have made the decision to wait for results from the testing of the fluid. MORE INFO: 300 ML was taken in the extraction.

Answer: Pericadial Effusion is an infection, you defenatly want to know the results of the test. There is no point on getting another pericardiocentesis. I would wait for the results. The dog needs to be put on some antibiotics. some very strong ones if he is hasnt been put on some yet they are probably waiting for the results to tell which ones they want to use. Just keep your dog calm. and wait it out. going to the cardiologist is only going to confirm the pericardial effusion.

Question: Fetal Pericardial Effusion? What is this? And should I be worried? My husband and I went in for our 2 week ultrasound and we found out that our son has some fluid around his heart. Nothing else seems to be wrong and the heartbeat is at 153. They told us the amount of fluid was small (1.3mm), but I am freaking out. Any fluid above 2mm is considered abnormal. This is of course my first pregnancy and I am worried about our sons heart condition after the birth. Does anymore know what this condition, or been trough it themselves? Any help would be great! Thanks,

Answer: i have had pericardial effusion myself 2 yrs ago but since your son is unborn i dont know what will happen if anything but i had 2 be hospitalized for 4 days and they had to drain the fluid off by inserting a tube in my chest and draining it i had 20 ounces of fluid around my heart

Question: What is a trivial pericardial effusion.?

Answer: You have a sac which surrounds your heart called the pericardium, it normally contains a small amount of fluid. This sac prevents friction from occuring on the heart while it is beating (so it doesn't rub against other organs). If you have a pericardial effusion, it means that there is fluid buildup in the sac moreso than normal. A trivial effusion is too small to consider tapping and draining it with a needle, and your body will likely reabsorb the excess.