A pericardial effusion occurs when a significant amount of fluid fills the pericardial space. Individuals without pericardial effusion have a small amount of pericardial fluid (15 mL to 50 mL ...

Cardiac tamponade occurs when a pericardial effusion exerts a significant amount of pressure externally on the heart, resulting in impaired right ventricular filling eventually causing decreased ...

The pericardium is characterized by a two-layer sac that surrounds the heart and provides an enclosed, lubricated space. Diseases of the pericardium may occur due to active inflammation ...