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Research Paper | Health and Medical Sciences | India | Volume 13 Issue 5, May 2024 | Rating: 5.6 / 10
Clinical and Etiological Profile of Patients with Moderate to Large Pericardial Effusion in a Tertiary Care Centre: An Observational, Prospective Study
Akif Ahamad Baig, Srikanth Nathani
Abstract: Background: Pericardial effusion is a common disease of the heart that can have a number of aetiologies. Effective diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion depend on an understanding of its clinical and etiological features. Methods: This is a prospective, observational study. Aim of this study was to evaluate the pericardial effusion clinical and etiological profile at a tertiary care hospital. 48 patients were enrolled between 01/01/2022 and 31/05/2023. We gathered information on the patient's demographics, clinical presentation, lab tests, electrocardiogram results, echocardiography reports, and pericardial fluid analysis. Results: In our study, there were 48 patients with pericardial effusion, and the most prevalent cause was tuberculosis (44%), followed by idiopathic cases (17%). Breathlessness (83.3%) and tachycardia (75%) were prevalent symptoms and signs, respectively. Low voltage complexes and sinus tachycardia were among the electrocardiographic abnormalities (79%) and 75%, respectively. Analysis of the pericardial fluid showed variable protein concentrations, cell counts, and lymphocytic predominance (52%). Conclusion: Tuberculosis emerged as the primary cause of pericardial effusion, highlighting the significance of taking infectious aetiologies into account when developing a diagnostic strategy. The many clinical manifestations and accompanying symptoms underscore the necessity of a thorough evaluation of pericardial effusion patients. Analyses of the pericardial fluid and electrocardiographic anomalies were essential components of the diagnosis. These results emphasise the significance of early detection, effective care, and additional multicenter research to advance our knowledge and increase patient outcomes.
Keywords: Pericardial effusion, tuberculosis, pericarditis, tertiary care
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 5, May 2024,
Pages: 34 - 38