Should moderate pericardial effusion be drained?

Moderate pericardial effusion generally does not require drainage. However, if there is a large amount of pericardial effusion or signs of cardiac tamponade, pericardiocentesis and drainage should be performed to relieve symptoms. If pericardial effusion persists for more than several months, it is considered chronic pericarditis; in the absence of significant symptoms, the presence of effusion may be monitored. In cases caused by tumors or similar conditions, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used to destroy tumor cells and thereby reduce the production of pericardial fluid.