Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Is Pericardiocentesis?
Question: what is pericardiocentesis? why do I keep getting fluid around the heart, have twiice
had the fluid removed. had echo test yesterday,was told its back
had the fluid removed. had echo test yesterday,was told its back
Brief Answer:
Cardiac tamponade is most probably your diagnosis; most causes listed
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure by which fluid accumulated within a space around the heart (also called the pericardial space is drained or aspired.
Cardiac tamponade is most probably your diagnosis and the indication for the pericardiocentesis. Cardiac tamponade in itself can have numerous causes, and I shall try to list as many as possibly come to my mind at this moment as listing all of them would not really make sense to you either ma'am. The cause will have to be investigated for and found by your doctor, but I shall list as many as possible for you now.
1. Infectious causes:
+HIV
+Tuberculosis
+Fungal infections
2. Side effect of various medications
3. Trauma or injury to the chest
4. Connective tissue diseases: E.g. Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
5. Uremia
6. Thyroid abnormalities
7. Complication of surgeries: E.g. surgery to the heart, surgery to the oesophagus, etc.
8. Radiation or chemotherapy
9. Various growths, tumors, or even cancer
and a few others.
As you can see the list is long, and I have only tried to superficially touch the causes. I would recommend a more elaborate discussion and investigation by your doctor. But please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Cardiac tamponade is most probably your diagnosis; most causes listed
Detailed Answer:
Hello ma'am and welcome.
Thank you for writing to us.
I have gone through your query with diligence and would like you to know that I am here to help. Pericardiocentesis is a procedure by which fluid accumulated within a space around the heart (also called the pericardial space is drained or aspired.
Cardiac tamponade is most probably your diagnosis and the indication for the pericardiocentesis. Cardiac tamponade in itself can have numerous causes, and I shall try to list as many as possibly come to my mind at this moment as listing all of them would not really make sense to you either ma'am. The cause will have to be investigated for and found by your doctor, but I shall list as many as possible for you now.
1. Infectious causes:
+HIV
+Tuberculosis
+Fungal infections
2. Side effect of various medications
3. Trauma or injury to the chest
4. Connective tissue diseases: E.g. Systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
5. Uremia
6. Thyroid abnormalities
7. Complication of surgeries: E.g. surgery to the heart, surgery to the oesophagus, etc.
8. Radiation or chemotherapy
9. Various growths, tumors, or even cancer
and a few others.
As you can see the list is long, and I have only tried to superficially touch the causes. I would recommend a more elaborate discussion and investigation by your doctor. But please do not hesitate to write back to me for any further clarifications, I am always here to help.
Best wishes.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
