The term pericardium is derived from the Greek prefix peri- (“around”) and kardia (“heart”), implying a structure that envelops or encloses the heart. Morphologically, the pericardium is a fluid ...

Pericardial disease are conditions that affect your pericardium. Your pericardium is a flexible, two-layered sac that surrounds your heart. Your pericardium contains your heart in your chest wall. It ...

Dressler syndrome is a type of pericarditis, which is the inflammation of the sac around the heart (pericardium). It’s also called post-pericardiotomy syndrome, post-myocardial infarction syndrome, or ...

A pericardial effusion occurs when a significant amount of fluid fills the pericardial space. Individuals without pericardial effusion have a small amount of pericardial fluid (15 mL to 50 mL), which ...

This content is sponsored by MedStar Washington Hospital Center. Although well tolerated for some patients, fluid buildup around the heart, particularly in excess, can cause other complications like ...

Constrictive pericarditis is a rare disorder that occurs when the thin sac that surrounds and protects the heart becomes stiff and thick, limiting the heart’s ability to pump blood. Symptoms may ...

A 71-year-old man with a history of a locally excised melanoma presented to his family physician with 2 years of progressive lower leg edema, ascites, weight loss, fatigue and dyspnea on exertion. His ...

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.

Cardiac tamponade is a serious medical condition in which your heart can’t pump enough blood to your body due to fluid buildup around your heart. Seek medical help immediately if you or someone you ...