Common Causes of Pericardial Effusion
Pericardial effusion, the accumulation of excess fluid around the heart, can be categorized into two main types: transudative and exudative. Each type has distinct underlying causes and clinical implications.Transudative Pericardial Effusion
Transudative effusion typically results from systemic factors that affect fluid balance in the body. Conditions such as congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, renal failure, and hypoalbuminemia can lead to this type of fluid buildup. These diseases disrupt normal fluid dynamics, causing fluid to leak into the pericardial space.
Exudative Pericardial Effusion
Exudative effusion, on the other hand, is often linked to local or systemic inflammation. Common causes include infections such as bacterial, viral, fungal, or tuberculous pericarditis. These pathogens trigger an inflammatory response, leading to increased permeability of blood vessels and fluid accumulation.
Malignancy and Inflammation
Cancer, particularly metastatic tumors involving the pericardium, is another significant cause of exudative effusion. Additionally, non-infectious inflammatory conditions such as rheumatologic diseases and post-myocardial infarction syndrome can also result in fluid accumulation around the heart.
Traumatic and Acute Causes
In more severe cases, traumatic injury or complications of acute myocardial infarction, such as cardiac rupture, may lead to hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. This condition is particularly dangerous and requires immediate medical attention to prevent cardiac tamponade, a life-threatening compression of the heart.