Pericardial fluid has been aspirated and examined from a patient presenting with pericardial effusion. The fluid examination report shows a transudative fluid. Which of the following is unlikely to be the cause of this pericardial effusion?
Explanation
Answer- C - Aortic dissection is unlikely to be the cause of transudative pericardial fluid.
There are two types of effusions:
•Transudative (serous): CHF, hypoalbuminemia/hypoproteinemia, hypothyroidism
•Exudative (serosanguinous or bloody): Causes similar to the causes of acute pericarditis, may develop acute effusion secondary to hemopericardium (trauma, post MI myocardial rupture, aortic dissection)
