What does a small amount of pericardial effusion mean?
Disease description:
Today I brought my mother for a medical checkup, and the doctor told me she has a small amount of fluid in the pericardial cavity. I'd like to know what causes a small amount of pericardial effusion?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Tian Hongbo
The most common cause of small pericardial effusion is inflammatory infection, such as inflammation caused by bacteria, viruses, atypical pathogens, idiopathic pericarditis, infections, or tuberculous pericarditis, which can produce a small amount of fluid in the pericardial space. Endocrine and metabolic disorders can increase capillary permeability and slow lymphatic return, leading to fluid accumulation in the pericardial cavity and resulting in pericardial effusion.
