what causes pericardial effusion
Causes of Pericardial Effusion. Most pericardial effusions are caused by inflammation of the pericardium, a condition called pericarditis. As the pericardium becomes inflamed, extra fluid is produced, leading to a pericardial effusion. Viral infections are one of the main causes of pericarditis and pericardial effusions.Infections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and HIV. Other conditions that can cause pericardial effusions include: 1  Cancer.2  Injury to the pericardium or heart from a medical procedure. 3  Heart attack (myocardial infarction). 4  Uremia (severe kidney failure). 5  Autoimmune disease (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and others). 6  Bacterial infections, including tuberculosis.nfections causing pericardial effusions include cytomegalovirus, coxsackieviruses, echoviruses, and HIV. Other conditions that can cause pericardial effusions include: 1  Cancer. 2  Injury to the pericardium or heart from a medical procedure.