Examine the Frequency and Causes of Pericardial Effusion in Patients Presenting With Unexplained Dyspnea

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency and causes of pericardial effusion in patients presenting to emergency department with dyspnea.

Study Design: Prospective/Observational study

Place and Duration of study: This study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Bolan Medical Complex Hospital Quetta from April 2019 to September 2019.

Materials and Methods: A total 220 patients of both genders with ages above 20 years presented with dyspnea were enrolled in this study. Patient’s detailed medical history was recorded after taking informed consent. All patients had received echocardiography to examine the incidence of pericardial effusion. Causes of pericardial effusion were recorded.

Results: There were 38 (17.27%) patients had pericardial effusion, among these 26 (68.42%) were males while rest 31.58% patients were females. 5 (13.16%) patients had ages <40 years while 33 (86.84%) patients had ages >40 years. 20 (52.63%) patients had small size effusion, 15 (39.47%) patients had moderate size and 3 (7.89%) patients had large size effusion. Neoplastic diseases were the commonest cause of pericardial effusion found in 15 (39.47%) patients followed by idiopathic in 10 (26.32%), uremia in 6 (15.79%) patients, 3 (7.89%) patients had bacterial infectious, 3 (7.89%) had HIV positive and 1 (2.63%) patient had other.

Conclusion: Incidence of pericardial effusion is high in patients with unexplained dyspnea. Neoplastic was the commonest cause of pericardial effusion.