The accumulation of pericardial fluid due to inflammation, or the accumulation of blood in the pericardial cavity, can lead to

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Accumulation of pericardial fluid (pericardial effusion) and/or blood (hemopericardium) in the pericardial cavity can lead to an increase in pressure on the heart, which can ultimately cause cardiac tamponade. This can result in decreased cardiac output and potentially life-threatening symptoms. Pericarditis (A) is inflammation of the pericardium, which can lead to pericardial effusion but not necessarily cardiac tamponade. Pleuritis (B) is inflammation of the pleura, which is not directly related to the pericardial cavity. Fasciae adherens (D) are specialized cell junctions found in cardiac muscle, and mitral valve prolapse (E) is when the mitral valve of the heart does not close properly, also not related to pericardial effusion or cardiac tamponade.

The Accumulation of Pericardial Fluid Due to Inflammation, or the Accumulation