Pericardiocentesis

Alternative names:

pericardial tap

Normal values:

There is normally a small amount of clear, straw-colored fluid in the pericardial space.

What abnormal results mean:

Abnormal findings may indicate the cause of pericardial fluid accumulation such as:

• pericarditis
• congestive heart failure
• cancer
• cardiac trauma
• rupture of a ventricular aneurysm (stretching and bulging of a weakened ventricular wall)