causes of pericardial effusion
There are many causes of a pericardial effusion which may be either local, as in acute pericarditis or chronic pericarditis, or systemic. Among the causes of pericardial effusion are: Idiopathic. Infectious pericarditis: viral - eg, HIV, tuberculosis (TB), fungi, parasites, syphilis, bacterial.
What causes pericardial effusion? The cause may be unknown, or it may be caused by any of the following: Diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone), or kidney failure. Infections of the pericardium caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.