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Pericardial Drainage - Test Overview
About this test
Pericardial drainage (pericardiocentesis) is done to find the cause of fluid buildup around the heart and to relieve pressure on the heart. The tissue sac that surrounds the heart is called the pericardium. It protects the heart and parts of the major blood vessels connected to the heart. Normally, there is a small amount of fluid between this sac and the heart. This fluid surrounds and helps cushion the heart. It helps reduce friction between the heart and other structures in the chest when the heart beats.
Some diseases cause fluid to
collect within the pericardium, such as pericardial effusion. (See a picture of pericardial effusion 
.) Excess fluid can
prevent normal filling of the heart, which can reduce the heart's ability to
pump blood (cardiac tamponade).
Pericardial drainage may be done to find the cause of a pericardial effusion. During this test, a needle is inserted into the chest and into the pericardium to remove a sample of the fluid. The fluid is sent to a laboratory where it is measured and checked for blood, microorganisms (such as bacteria, fungi, or viruses), white blood cells, sugar (glucose), and cancer cells. In some cases, the pericardial fluid may be checked for other substances (such as carcinoembryonic antigen, or CEA).
Pericardial drainage may also be done to help relieve pressure on the heart. It is sometimes done in an emergency if a serious injury has occurred, such as a gunshot or stab wound to the chest or a massive heart attack. In these circumstances, blood or fluid can build up very rapidly in the pericardium. An emergency pericardial drainage can be done to remove the blood or excess pericardial fluid surrounding the heart.
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: June 30, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine Stephen Fort, MD, MRCP, FRCPC - Interventional Cardiology | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
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