What is a potential complication of untreated pericardial effusion?

A potential complication of untreated pericardial effusion is cardiac tamponade. This condition occurs when the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space exerts pressure on the heart, leading to reduced filling of the heart chambers, particularly during diastole. As fluid accumulates, it can compress the heart and impair its ability to pump effectively, which can result in symptoms such as hypotension, muffled heart sounds, and distended neck veins.

Cardiac tamponade represents a serious and life-threatening situation, and it requires prompt intervention, often in the form of pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage to relieve the pressure on the heart. In the context of untreated pericardial effusion, if the effusion is significant and progressive, the risk of developing tamponade increases markedly, leading to severe hemodynamic instability and potential cardiovascular collapse.

Understanding the relationship between pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade is crucial for clinicians in order to prevent complications and provide timely treatment to patients experiencing this condition.