Pericardial Effusion

Abstract

The visceral pericardium is a serous membrane of a single layer of mesothelial cells firmly adhered to the epicardium. The parietal pericardium is attached to the great vessels. Pericarditis has been associated with feline cardiomyopathy and feline infectious peritonitis. Idiopathic pericardial effusion is the most common cause of acute or chronic nonneoplastic hemorrhagic pericardial effusion in the dog. Mesothelioma of the pericardium is another cause of a hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening, slow, or rapid compression of the heart due to the pericardial accumulation of fluids, blood, or pus. Acute pericardial effusion causes acute hypotension, rapidly progressing weakness, dyspnea, collapse, and cardiogenic shock. The classic signs for chronic pericardial effusion consist of muffled heart sounds, weak femoral pulse, and distended systemic veins. Echocardiography is a very sensitive technique for demonstrating pericardial effusion.