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===Introduction===
===Introduction===
The pericardium is a sac that surrounds the heart and serves to protect the heart as well as maintain its position and shape. The pericardium is comprised of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. The fibrous outer layer is composed of collagen and elastin. The serous layer is composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells. The serous pericardium lines the inside of the fibrous layer, where it is known as the parietal layer, and also overlies the heart, where it is referred to as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium. The pericardial cavity is the space between the visceral and parietal layers, which usually contains a very small amount of fluid.
The pericardium is a sac that surrounds the heart and serves to protect the heart, as well as maintain its position and shape. The pericardium is comprised of an outer fibrous layer and an inner serous layer. The fibrous outer layer is composed of collagen and elastin. The serous layer is composed of a single layer of mesothelial cells. The serous pericardium lines the inside of the fibrous layer, where it is known as the parietal layer, and also overlies the heart, where it is referred to as the visceral layer of the serous pericardium. The pericardial cavity is the space between the visceral and parietal layers, which usually contains a very small amount of fluid.
Pericardial effusion is a pathological accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac. The rate of this fluid accumulation within the pericardium determines the haemodynamic effects, and therefore clinical signs. A slow accumulation is initially well-tolerated, but can eventually lead to increased pressure causing compression of the right atrium and right ventricle (cardiac '''''tamponade'''''). Rapid fluid accumulation results in acute tamponade.
Pericardial effusion is a pathological accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac. The rate of this fluid accumulation within the pericardium determines the haemodynamic effects, and therefore clinical signs. A slow accumulation is initially well-tolerated, but can eventually lead to increased pressure causing compression of the right atrium and right ventricle (cardiac '''''tamponade'''''). Rapid fluid accumulation results in acute tamponade.