An excess of fluid which forms in the pericardial sac.
Accumulation of fluid between the two layers of pericardium; may be due to inflammation (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), tumor, or trauma (e.g., knife or gunshot wound); under certain circumstances, pressure from the fluid prevents adequate filling of the heart, resulting in life-threatening cardiac tamponade.
Fluid in the pericardial cavity, between the visceral and the parietal pericardium. This condition may produce symptoms of cardiac tamponade, such as difficulty breathing.
Pericardial effusion refers to the buildup of excessive fluid within the pericardial sac, which encloses the heart.