What could cause fluid around the heart in an 18 yr. old female?
The heart is surrounded by a double-layered, sac-like structure called the pericardium. The space between the layers normally contains a very small amount of fluid. Pericardial effusion is often related to inflammation of Pericardial effusion The pericardium due to disease or injury, but pericardial effusion can occur when there is no inflammation. Pericardial effusion can also result from the accumulation of blood after a surgical procedure or injury. When the volume of fluid exceeds the pericardium’s “full” level, pericardial effusion puts pressure on the heart, causing poor heart function. Inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis) is a response to disease, injury or an inflammatory disorder that affects the pericardium. Pericardial effusion is often one component of this inflammatory response. Pericardial effusion may also occur when the flow of pericardial fluids is blocked or when blood accumulates within the pericardium. It’s unclear how some diseases contribute to pericardi
