Adult Echocardiography Practice Exam

What does the presence of pericardial effusion typically indicate?

1. Heart failure

2. Infection

3. Inflammation

4. All of the above

The correct answer is: All of the above

The presence of pericardial effusion indicates that there is an accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac surrounding the heart. This condition can arise from various underlying issues, making its presence an important clinical finding. Heart failure can lead to various hemodynamic changes, including increased pressures that might cause leakage of fluid into the pericardial space. Similarly, infections such as viral or bacterial pericarditis can result in fluid buildup due to the inflammatory response triggered by these pathogens. Inflammation, particularly from conditions like autoimmune diseases, can also lead to pericardial effusion as part of the body's reaction to disease. Since pericardial effusion can result from heart failure, infection, and inflammation, it encapsulates a broad spectrum of potential underlying causes, confirming that all of the options provided contribute to the presence of this condition. Thus, indicating that pericardial effusion can arise from various etiologies makes "all of the above" the most accurate response.