The pericardial fluid provides some protection against shock and injury. In addition, it helps decrease friction at the outer surface of the heart.
Friction around the heart and possible damage.
Pericardial fluid is a fluid that is secreted by the serous membrane on the pericardious sac on the outside of the heart.
Pericardial effusion is the medical term meaning abnormal accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space. If the fluid affects the function of the heart, it's called cardiac tamponade. When this sac becomes filled with fluid, the liquid presses on the heart, preventing the lower chambers of the heart from properly filling with blood.
The pericardial fluid acts as a lubricant and reduces friction between the opposing surfaces as the heart beats (contacts). The pericardial fluid is secreted by the pericardial membranes.
The pericardial space is located in between the parietal and visceral pericardium, contains 10-20 ml of fluid to cushion and protect the heart.
Friction around the heart and possible damage.
Pericardial aspiration is a procedure where a needle is inserted into the pericardial sac surrounding the heart to remove excess fluid, relieving pressure on the heart and improving cardiac function. This procedure is typically done to diagnose and treat conditions like pericarditis or cardiac tamponade.
Normally there is approx 25mL of fluid in the pericardial sac. As little as 100-200mL of rapidly accumulating fluid can cause problems with the normal function of the heart
Pericardial cavity
The pericardial sac (or pericardium) is a dual-walled sac that contains the heart and the roots of the great vessels (vena cavae, pulmonary arteries, pulmonary veins, aorta, brachiocephalic arteries and veins, carotid artery and subclavian artery).
Pericardial cavity
Encloses cardiac space.
The pericardial fluid
Pericardial effusion.
Pericardial edema is the swelling of the pericardial tissue due to excess fluid accumulation within the tissue itself. Pericardial effusion, on the other hand, is the collection of excess fluid within the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. Both conditions can lead to cardiac complications if left untreated.
A trace of pericardial effusion means there is a minimal amount of fluid around the heart within the pericardial sac. This finding is usually not concerning unless it progresses to a larger effusion, which can potentially affect heart function and require treatment. Regular monitoring may be recommended to ensure it does not worsen.
Normal pericardial fluid is clear to straw colored. During pathological examination normal pericardial fluid does not contain blood, cancer cells, or bacteria.