Diagnostic Value of Pericardial Fluid Analyses

Pericardial effusion is the result of an increased production and/or decreased clearance of pericardial fluid. Samples of the fluid can be obtained for analyses by either needle pericardiocentesis, catheter drainage or surgical pericardiectomy. While laboratory analyses of pleural effusion are well established, the diagnostic approach to pericardial fluid is less clearly defined. An etiologically correct diagnosis of pericardial diseases can often be based on a positive fluid analysis alone but the sensitivity may vary between 24–93%, depending on the patient cohort and the diagnostic methods [1].