Pericardial Effusion
Pericardial effusion is extra fluid collecting in the sac around the heart.
When to get help quickly: Urgent hospital review is important if breathlessness is worsening, there is chest pain, fainting, severe weakness, or signs the heart may be struggling because of pressure from the fluid.
Common symptoms
Some people have no symptoms, while others develop shortness of breath, chest discomfort, tiredness, cough, fast heartbeat, or difficulty lying flat.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps confirm that fluid is present around the heart, estimate how much there is, and look for signs that the heart is being compressed.
What radiology does
Ultrasound, CT, and sometimes chest X-ray can help show the fluid and whether it is affecting the heart.
What usually happens next
Treatment depends on the cause and severity and may range from monitoring to urgent drainage.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.