Pericardial Effusion

Accumulation of excess fluid between the two layers of the pericardial sac that surrounds the heart.

Quick Overview

4 min read

Pericardial effusion is pathological accumulation of pericardial fluid above the normal 15-50 mL. Aetiologies include idiopathic or viral pericarditis, malignancy (lung, breast, lymphoma), uraemia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease (SLE), tuberculosis and post-cardiotomy syndrome. Both volume and rate matter clinically: slowly accumulating large effusions may be tolerated, while rapidly forming small effusions can cause cardiac tamponade. Beck's triad (hypotension, distended neck veins, muffled heart sounds) suggests tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography is the diagnostic standard. Treatment targets aetiology, with emergency pericardiocentesis for tamponade and pericardial window for recurrent effusions.

ICD-10: I31.3
Kardiyoloji
Akut
Nadir

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board

Published: February 1, 2026

This content is for general information; please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Kardiyoloji department. Book Appointment →

What is Pericardial Effusion?

Normally there is 15–50 mL of fluid between the two layers of the pericardium. Pericardial effusion is accumulation of excess fluid in this space. Slowly developing large effusions can compress the heart and cause cardiac tamponade.

Causes include pericarditis (viral, bacterial, tuberculous), cancer, uremia, hypothyroidism, autoimmune disease, post-cardiac-surgery state (Dressler syndrome), and drug side effects.

Echocardiography is the key diagnostic and follow-up tool. Small asymptomatic effusions are monitored closely, while large or symptomatic effusions undergo pericardiocentesis (needle drainage).

Symptoms

Small effusions are usually asymptomatic

Shortness of breath and chest pain

Difficulty swallowing (in a large effusion)

Hiccups

Signs of tamponade: hypotension, tachycardia, distended neck veins

Altered consciousness and shock (advanced tamponade)

Dry cough

Risk Factors

Pericarditis of any type

Lung, breast, and esophageal cancers (malignant effusion)

Kidney failure and uremia

Hypothyroidism

Post-cardiac-surgery period

Tuberculosis (especially in endemic areas)

SLE and rheumatoid arthritis

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

Seek emergency care for signs of tamponade (hypotension + distended neck veins + shortness of breath)
When a large effusion is found on echocardiography
New shortness of breath in a patient with a history of cancer or tuberculosis
If symptoms worsen while being treated for pericarditis
For cardiology workup to determine the cause of pericardial fluid

Treatment Methods

For small asymptomatic effusions, treatment of the underlying cause with monitoring

NSAIDs and colchicine (for inflammatory effusions)

Pericardiocentesis (needle drainage) for tamponade or large symptomatic effusions

Pericardial window (surgical drainage) for recurrent effusions

Chemotherapy or intracavitary treatment for malignant effusion

Treatment of the underlying disease such as hypothyroidism or uremia

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Kardiyoloji department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

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Pericardial Effusion

What is Pericardial Effusion?

Symptoms

Risk Factors

When to See a Doctor?

Treatment Methods

Which Department to Visit?

Let us help you

Related Health Topics

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Coronary Artery Disease

Heart Failure

Heart Attack (Myocardial Infarction)

Atrial Fibrillation

Heart Palpitations

Heart Valve Diseases

Aortic Aneurysm