Pericardiocentesis

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Heart, front view

Pericardium

Pericardial tap; Percutaneous pericardiocentesis

There is normally a small amount of clear, straw-colored fluid in the pericardial space.

Abnormal findings may indicate the cause of pericardial fluid accumulation, such as:

• Cardiac perforation
• Pericarditis
• Congestive heart failure
• Cancer
• Cardiac trauma
• Rupture of a ventricular aneurysm (stretching and bulging of a weakened ventricular wall)

Review Date: 11/06/2006
Reviewed By: Glenn Gandelman, MD, MPH, Assistant Clinical Professor of Medicine, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.