Definition/General
Introduction:
Normal pericardial fluid is physiological fluid in pericardial space
Normal volume is 15-50 mL in healthy adults
Acts as lubricant between visceral and parietal pericardium
Contains minimal cellular components
Maintains cardiac function and prevents friction.
Origin:
Produced by pericardial mesothelial cells
Ultrafiltration from pericardial capillaries
Lymphatic drainage maintains fluid balance
Continuous turnover maintains physiological volume.
Classification:
Normal characteristics: clear and pale yellow
Protein <3 g/dL
Cell count <1000 cells/μL
Specific gravity <1.015
pH 7.35-7.45.
Epidemiology:
Present in all healthy individuals
No age or gender variations
Physiological process
Cardiac cycle variations minimal.
Clinical Features
Presentation:
Completely asymptomatic
Normal cardiac examination
No pericardial friction rub
Normal heart sounds
No chest pain.
Symptoms:
No symptoms in physiological state
Normal exercise tolerance
No dyspnea
No chest discomfort.
Risk Factors:
No risk factors for normal pericardial fluid
Physiological condition
Normal cardiac function.
Screening:
No screening required
Pericardiocentesis only when pathological effusion suspected.
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Gross Description
Appearance:
Clear and pale yellow
Low viscosity
Odorless
No blood or debris.
Characteristics:
Low protein content
Low cell count
Normal biochemistry.
Size Location:
Normal volume 15-50 mL
Even distribution in pericardial space.
Multifocality:
Present throughout pericardial cavity
No loculations.
Sample Pathology Report
Template Format
Sample Pathology Report
Complete Report: This is an example of how the final pathology report should be structured for this condition.
Specimen Information
Pericardial fluid, volume [X] mL, clear, pale yellow
Final Diagnosis
Normal pericardial fluid cytology