Pericardial effusion is the accumulation of excess fluid in the sac surrounding the heart. A healthy individual’s pericardial sac contains between 15 and 50 mL of serous fluid. This fluid may be transudative, exudative, or sanguineous, possibly containing metabolites, biomolecules, infectious organisms, or malignant cells. The condition may arise from infection, inflammation, or direct filling of the pericardial sac by blood from a defect in the myocardium (iatrogenic or traumatic injury or cardiac wall rupture) or backfilling from an ascending aortic dissection that dissects into the pericardium.Pericardial effusion is diagnosed using a combination of clinical evaluation and imaging techniques, with echocardiography being the primary method for confirming the presence of fluid around the heart. Symptoms may include chest pain and dyspnea, with electrocardiography and additional imaging providing supportive information. Treatment depends on the cause, size, and impact of the effusion. Small, asymptomatic effusions may simply be monitored, while larger or symptomatic effusions may require pericardiocentesis or surgical interventions. Addressing the underlying cause is key to preventing complications or recurrence.This activity for healthcare professionals is designed to enhance learners’ proficiency in evaluating and managing pericardial effusion. Participants gain a deeper understanding of the condition’s pathogenesis, possible causes, presentations, and evidence-based diagnostic and management strategies. Enhanced competence enables participants to collaborate within an interprofessional team, improving outcomes for patients with pericardial effusion.
- Provider:StatPearls, LLC
- Activity Link: https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/26952
- Start Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- End Date: 2023-09-01 05:00:00
- Credit Details: AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™️: 1.5 hours
Nursing: 1.5 hours
Pharmacy: 1.5 hours - MOC Credit Details: ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABS)
ABPATH - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABPATH)
ABA - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning (ABA)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Accredited CME (ABTS)
ABIM - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Medical Knowledge (ABIM)
ABS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABS)
ABP - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Lifelong Learning and Self-Assessment (ABP)
ABTS - 1.5 Point; Credit Type(s): Self-Assessment (ABTS) - Commercial Support: No
- Activity Type: Enduring Material
- CME Finder Type: Online Learning
- Fee to Participate: Variable
- Measured Outcome: Learner Knowledge, Learner/Team Competence
- Provider Ship: Directly Provided
- Registration: Open to all
- Specialty: Adult Cardiac, Cardiac Anesthesia, Cardiothoracic, Cardiovascular, Cardiovascular Disease, Chemical Pathology, Complex General Surgical Oncology, Congenital Cardiac, Critical Care, Critical Care Medicine, Cytopathology, Endocrinology, Diabetes, and Metabolism, General Operative Anesthesia, General Pediatrics, General Surgery, Hematology, Hospital Medicine, Infectious Disease, Infectious Diseases/Medical Microbiology, Internal Medicine, Interventional Cardiology, Medical Oncology, Medical Toxicology, Nephrology, Neurocritical Care, Non-Thoracic Surgery, Pediatric Cardiology, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Pediatric Endocrinology, Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Pediatric Nephrology, Pediatric Pulmonology, Pediatric Rheumatology, Pediatric Surgery, Pulmonary Disease, Rheumatology, Surgical Critical Care, Trauma, Vascular Surgery