Hello,
Thank you for your query at DoctorSpring.com
To briefly explain about pericardial effusion , it indicates collection of fluid around the heart . It is a symptom of a disease process rather then a disease.
Most pericardial effusions are caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition called pericarditis. As the pericardium becomes inflamed, extra fluid is produced, leading to a pericardial effusion.
Viral infections are one of the main causes of pericarditis and pericardial effusions. Infections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackieviruses, echo viruses, and HIV.
Other conditions that can cause pericardial effusions include:
In a large number of people with pericardial effusion, no cause can be identified. These are called idiopathic pericardial effusions.
Symptoms depend on the rate of accumulation , sometimes when there is slow and gradual accumulation patient may not have any symptoms and sometimes sudden accumulation of few hundred ml of fluid can cause severe symptoms called pericardial tamponade.
Treatment depends upon the cause of effusion , sometimes treating the cause itself can regress the effusion .
Ideally a diagnostic tap of pericardial effusion is done and analysis is done to identity whether it is exudative or transduate. Exudative causes usually require immediate treatment while as transduate are due due to systemic causes like congestive cardiac failure , hypothyroidism , nephrotic syndrome etc.
In your uncle case you have not send me the complete analysis of pericardial fluid .
Regards
Dr Satish