Pericardial effusion is the abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, ranging from physiologic trace amounts (<50 mL) to large life-threatening collections. Echocardiography is the most sensitive and specific imaging modality. Key findings include echo-free space surrounding the heart, right ventricular free wall collapse during diastole (tamponade physiology), and respiratory variation in valvular inflow velocities.
ICD-10 Code: I31.3 | MeSH ID: D010490 | Primary Anatomy: Pericardium, Heart
Key Reference: PubMed: PMID: 24578772