Pericarditis is inflammation of the sac around the heart, called the pericardium. If pericarditis becomes chronic, it can lead to pericardial effusion. This is when the pericardium fills with fluid.

Pericardial effusion is the medical term for fluid buildup in the space around the heart. Treatment can depend on what is causing the fluid to build up. The fluid appears between the membrane sac ...

Pericardial effusion is the main symptom of pericardial mesothelioma. Infections, inflammation and other cancers can also cause the fluid buildup seen in pericardial effusion. This buildup puts ...

KRISHAN K. GOYLE, M.D. Pericarditis, or inflammation of the pericardium, is most often caused by viral infection. It can also develop as a result of bacterial or other infection, autoimmune disease, ...

A 58-year-old woman presents to the hospital reporting fatigue, swelling of the legs and feet, and shortness of breath. She explains that her symptoms have been getting worse over the past 2 months.

Dr. Nilay K. Patel: A 62-year-old woman was evaluated at this hospital because of recurrent hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. The patient had been in her usual state of health until 3 months before ...