Water around the heart is known in medical terms as Pericardial Effusion. This is described as an abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial cavity (the potential space between the parietal pericardium and visceral layer). As there is a limited space in the pericardial cavity, it is relatively easy for fluid accumulation to lead to intrapericardial pressure, which can, in turn, have a negative impact on the functioning of the heart. Types of Pericardial Effusion can be categorized as: Transudative (congestive heart failure), exudative (tuberculosis), haemorrhagic (trauma) and malignant (due to fluid accumulication caused by metastasis)
Some small effusions may not have any symptoms at all but larger ones may make individuals have chest pains and feel pressure on the heart. If you have previously had a heart defect repair, such as an Atrial Septal Defect Secindum, a Pericardial Effusion is present due to the method of repair. A "water-bottle heart” is one of the ways Pericardial Effusion can be recognised by radiographers. The cardiopericardial silhouette is enlarged and resembles the shape of a water bottle or flask.
The treatment of Pericardial Effusion will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the heart impairment. If the Pericardial Effusion has been caused by a viral infection then often it will go away after a few weeks without the need of any treatment. Some small effusions may always be in an individual but never need treating. Pericardial Effusions caused by conditions such as lupus, they can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Immediate treatment will be required if the effusion is having a serious impact on heart function. If it is causing cardiac tamponade then it will need to be drained. This is usually done by inserting a needle through the chest wall and into the pericardial space and a drainage tube is left in place for a few days.
Some small effusions may not have any symptoms at all but larger ones may make individuals have chest pains and feel pressure on the heart. If you have previously had a heart defect repair, such as an Atrial Septal Defect Secindum, a Pericardial Effusion is present due to the method of repair. A "water-bottle heart” is one of the ways Pericardial Effusion can be recognised by radiographers. The cardiopericardial silhouette is enlarged and resembles the shape of a water bottle or flask.
The treatment of Pericardial Effusion will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the heart impairment. If the Pericardial Effusion has been caused by a viral infection then often it will go away after a few weeks without the need of any treatment. Some small effusions may always be in an individual but never need treating. Pericardial Effusions caused by conditions such as lupus, they can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications. Immediate treatment will be required if the effusion is having a serious impact on heart function. If it is causing cardiac tamponade then it will need to be drained. This is usually done by inserting a needle through the chest wall and into the pericardial space and a drainage tube is left in place for a few days.
