What does a small amount of pericardial effusion mean?
Disease description:
The examination revealed a small amount of fluid in the pericardial cavity. What could be causing this?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhao Zhou
A small amount of pericardial effusion refers to a minor accumulation of fluid within the pericardial cavity, a common cardiovascular pathological condition often associated with heart failure, cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and myocarditis. Clinical manifestations primarily include hypotension, fatigue, dizziness, chest pain, and palpitations. In severe cases, symptoms such as heart failure, dyspnea, and cardiac insufficiency may occur. Treatment should be based on the underlying cause: for example, anti-inflammatory drugs can be used for patients with myocarditis, sodium glucose solution for those with heart failure, and antihypertensive medications for patients with arrhythmia. Additionally, symptoms can be alleviated through treatments such as extracorporeal circulation or cardiac stent intervention.
