When discovered,<unk>  is usually treated by pericardiocentesis, a procedure wherein a needle is used to remove the fluid from the pericardial sac. This procedure typically utilizes an 8-cm, 18-gauge needle that is inserted between the xiphoid process and the left costal margin until it enters the pericardial sac, when it can then be used to drain the fluid from the sac. A catheter is often left in the pericardium to continue draining any remaining fluid after the initial procedure. The catheter can be removed when the<unk>  no longer persists. The underlying causes of the condition, such as over-prescription of anticoagulants, must be addressed as well so that the<unk>  does not return. While<unk>  itself is not fatal, it may lead to cardiac tamponade, which can be deadly if not treated promptly. One study found that cardiac tamponade was fatal in 13.3% of cases in which it was not caused by a malignant disease.
Hemopericardium
Pneumopericardium
Urinothorax
Chylothorax
Hemothorax
Pneumomediastinum
Fibrothorax
Pulmonary hematoma