Perikardialvätska

Perikardialvätska is a thin layer of fluid that surrounds the heart, enclosed within the pericardial sac. This fluid acts as a lubricant, allowing the heart to move smoothly within the chest cavity during each beat without friction. The pericardium is a double-layered membrane, with the perikardialvätska situated between the visceral layer (covering the heart) and the parietal layer (lining the outer sac). Normally, only a small amount of this fluid, typically between 15 to 50 milliliters, is present.

An increase in the amount of perikardialvätska is known as a pericardial effusion. This can occur due to various conditions, including inflammation of the pericardium (pericarditis), infections, autoimmune diseases, kidney failure, or cancer. When the effusion becomes significant, it can put pressure on the heart, hindering its ability to fill and pump blood effectively. This condition is called cardiac tamponade and is a medical emergency. The composition of the perikardialvätska can also be analyzed to help diagnose the underlying cause of an effusion, as it can contain inflammatory cells, proteins, or other substances indicative of specific diseases. Diagnostic procedures like echocardiography are commonly used to visualize and measure the amount of perikardialvätska.