Table 1 Overall categorization of pericardial effusions [9, 10]
Determining factor | Categorization |
|---|---|
Size | Mild (small): < 10 mm Moderate:1–20 mm Severe (large): > 20 mm |
Distribution | Circumferential Localized (or loculated) |
Onset | Acute < 1 week Subacute: 1 week-3months Chronic > 3months |
Composition | Transudate Exudate Hemorrhagic: Mostly due to malignancy, infections, rheumatologic disease, or trauma [11] |
Hemodynamic impact | Insignificant (the hemodynamic effect of PE is often mild) Cardiac tamponade (from early signs to severe chamber collapse, Fig. 2) Effusive-constrictive |