What Is Pericardial Effusion?
Article Sources
- 1. Colombo, A. et al. Etiology and prognostic implications of a large pericardial effusion in men. Clinical Cardiology vol. 11,6 (1988):389-94. doi: 10.1002/clc.4960110606.
- 2. Sagristà-Sauleds, Jaume et al. Diagnosis and management of pericardial effusion. World Journal of Cardiology vol. 3,5 (2011): 135-43. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v3.i5.135.
7. Treatment & Management
Treatment measures vary according to the severity of the condition as well as the underlying causes. In some cases, if the underlying cause can be treated, then the pericardial effusion is corrected as well. If the individual is not at risk of cardiac tamponade, then medications are often prescribed to reduce inflammation.
When medications are ineffective, or if the individual has or is at risk of cardiac tamponade, other measures are necessary. The most common action taken is to drain the fluid using a catheter. Open-heart surgery may be required when there is bleeding into the pericardium, which can happen as a result of heart surgery.
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