Does lymphoma cause pericardial effusion?

There are some explanations regarding pericardial effusion in lymphoma. It may be due to lymphatic and hematogenous spread. Effusion may be caused by blockage of lymphatic and venous drainage of pericardial fluid. Effusion may also be caused without involvement of the pericardium.

Can you see pericardial effusion on CT?

Many pericardial effusions are found incidentally through computed tomography (CT) performed for other indications. Echocardiography is usually ordered when an incidentally discovered pericardial effusion is found on the CT to examine the effect of the effusion on hemodynamics and to detect early signs of tamponade.

Can cancer cause pericardial effusion?

The extra fluid causes pressure on the heart, which keeps it from pumping blood normally. Lymph vessels may be blocked, which can cause infection. Malignant pericardial effusions are most often caused by lung cancer, breast cancer, melanoma, lymphoma, and leukemia.

How is pericardial effusion diagnosed?

How is pericardial effusion diagnosed?

1. Chest x-ray.
2. Computed tomography (CT) scan of the chest.
3. MRI of the heart.
4. Echocardiogram.
5. Pericardiocentesis: a procedure that uses a needle to remove fluid from the pericardium; the fluid is then examined to determine the cause of the effusion. It is often guided by echocardiography.

What does no pericardial effusion mean?

Pericardial effusion is the buildup of extra fluid in the space around the heart. If too much fluid builds up, it can put pressure on the heart. This can prevent it from pumping normally. A fibrous sac called the pericardium surrounds the heart.

Can pericarditis cause cardiac tamponade?

Pericarditis is commonly associated with pericardial effusion that can sometimes worsen to cardiac tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a grave condition that happens after sudden and/or excessive accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space.

What does pericarditis look like on CT scan?

On CT images, pericardial layers are thickened and show diffuse enhancement after contrast material administration. The attenuation of pericardial fluid may be similar to that of water or may be increased in case of exudative or purulent forms. Signs of cardiac tamponade may be present.

What are CT findings in patients with pericardial effusion?

CT Findings in Patients With Pericardial Effusion: Differentiation of Malignant and Benign Disease. The presence of a large pericardial effusion generally suggests the patient has more serious disease and is commonly associated with neoplasia, hypercholesterolemia, uremic pericarditis, myxoedema, and parasitosis [ 2 ].

Are there any limitations to a CT scan of the pericardium?

If CT is performed without electrocardiographic (ECG) gating or triggering, as is often the case, then cardiac motion artifacts can limit evaluation of the pericardium. Another limitation of CT imaging of the pericardium is the occasional difficulty in differentiating fluid from thickened pericardial tissue.

What are the odds of malignant pericardial effusion?

Abnormal pericardial thickening ( p < 0.05) and mediastinal lymph node enlargement ( p < 0.001) were statistically significant findings of malignant pericardial effusion. The sensitivity of abnormal pericardial thickening was 42.9% and that of mediastinal lymph node enlargement was 60.7%.

What are the radiographic results of a pericardial tumor?

Radiographic findings include an enlarged cardiac silhouette, an abnormal mediastinal contour, or a discrete mediastinal mass ( 5 ). Echocardiography, although commonly performed, has a limited role in the evaluation of primary pericardial neoplasms.