The term pericardium is derived from the Greek prefix peri- (“around”) and kardia (“heart”), implying a structure that envelops or encloses the heart. Morphologically, the pericardium is a fluid ...

A pericardial effusion is the buildup of excess fluid between the heart and the sac surrounding the heart, known as the pericardium. Pericardial effusion is the buildup of an excess amount of fluid in ...

Pericardial disease are conditions that affect your pericardium. Your pericardium is a flexible, two-layered sac that surrounds your heart. Your pericardium contains your heart in your chest wall. It ...

Cardiac tamponade is life-threatening, slow or rapid compression of the heart due to the pericardial accumulation of fluid, pus, blood, clots, or gas, as a result of effusion, trauma, or rupture of ...

Constrictive pericarditis is long-term, or chronic, inflammation of the pericardium. The pericardium is the sac-like membrane that surrounds the heart. Inflammation in this part of the heart causes ...

This content is sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Although well tolerated for some patients, fluid buildup around the heart, particularly in excess, can cause other complications like ...

A 71-year-old man with a history of a locally excised melanoma presented to his family physician with 2 years of progressive lower leg edema, ascites, weight loss, fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. His ...

A pericardial effusion occurs when a significant amount of fluid fills the pericardial space. Individuals without pericardial effusion have a small amount of pericardial fluid (15 mL to 50 mL), which ...

Effusive–constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon pericardial syndrome characterized by concomitant tamponade, caused by tense pericardial effusion, and constriction, caused by the visceral ...