Pericardial effusion differential diagnosis
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Mugilan Poongkunran M.B.B.S [2]; Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [3]; Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S
Overview
Most pericardial effusions are caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition called pericarditis. As the pericardium becomes inflamed, extra fluid is produced, leading to a pericardial effusion. Viral infections are one of the main causes of pericarditis and pericardial effusions. Infections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackie virus, echovirus, and HIV. However, other conditions like injury to the pericardium or heart from a medical procedure, myocardial infarction, uremia, autoimmune disease and cancer should be considered in differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion.
Differentiating Pericardial Effusion from other Diseases
Chest pain or pressure are common symptoms. A small effusion may be asymptomatic. Larger effusions may cause cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening complication and the signs of impending tamponade include dyspnea, low blood pressure, and distant heart sounds. There are several other cardiac insults with similar symptoms that should be considered in differential diagnosis of pericardial effusion.
Differential Diagnosis by Organ System
References
- ↑ Scarlett JA, Kistner ML, Yang LC (1979). "Behçet's syndrome. Report of a case associated with pericardial effusion and cryoglobulinemia treated with indomethacin". Am J Med. 66 (1): 146–8. PMID 420242.
- ↑ Garewal HS, Uhlmann RF, Bennett RM (1981). "Pericardial effusion in association with giant cell arteritis". West J Med. 134 (1): 71–2. PMC 1272467. PMID 7210667.
- ↑ Wilson J, Zaman AG, Simmons AV (1990). "Gonococcal arthritis complicated by acute pericarditis and pericardial effusion". Br Heart J. 63 (2): 134–5. PMC 1024342. PMID 2317408.