PERICARDIAL EFFUSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Pericardial effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac, a double-layered membrane surrounding the heart. The pericardium plays a crucial role in protecting the heart and aiding its proper functioning. However, when excess fluid builds up, it leads to a condition known as pericardial effusion.
This condition can be caused by various factors, including inflammation, infection, trauma, heart surgery, autoimmune diseases, cancer, and certain medications. The fluid that accumulates within the pericardial sac may be serous, bloody, or purulent, depending on the underlying cause.
Pericardial effusion can present with a variety of symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, cough, palpitations, fatigue, and lightheadedness. In severe cases, it can lead to cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening condition in which the excess fluid puts pressure on the heart, impairing its ability to pump blood effectively.
Diagnosis of pericardial effusion involves a thorough medical history, physical examination, and various imaging tests, such as echocardiography, CT scan, or MRI. Treatment options depend on the severity and underlying cause but may include medication to reduce inflammation, pericardiocentesis to drain the excess fluid, or surgical intervention in some cases.
Overall, pericardial effusion is a medical condition characterized by the accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart, which can lead to various symptoms and potentially life-threatening complications if not promptly addressed.
Common Misspellings for PERICARDIAL EFFUSION
- oericardial effusion
- lericardial effusion
- -ericardial effusion
- 0ericardial effusion
- pwricardial effusion
- psricardial effusion
- pdricardial effusion
- prricardial effusion
- p4ricardial effusion
- p3ricardial effusion
- peeicardial effusion
- pedicardial effusion
- peficardial effusion
- peticardial effusion
- pe5icardial effusion
- pe4icardial effusion
- perucardial effusion
- perjcardial effusion
- perkcardial effusion
- perocardial effusion
Etymology of PERICARDIAL EFFUSION
The word "pericardial effusion" has a Greek/Latin origin in its etymology.
The term "pericardial" comes from the Greek word "perikardion", which means "the pericardium". The pericardium is the double-layered sac that surrounds the heart. It is derived from the Greek words "peri", meaning "around", and "kardia", meaning "heart".
The word "effusion" comes from the Latin word "effusio", which means "a pouring out" or "to pour out". It is derived from the Latin words "ex", meaning "out of", and "fundere", meaning "to pour".
Therefore, the term "pericardial effusion" refers to the pouring out or accumulation of fluid in the pericardium, the sac around the heart.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
