| pericardial branch of phrenic nerve | <anatomy, nerve> One of the branches of phrenic nerve distributed to the pericardium and adjacent mediastial parietal pleura. Synonym: ramus pericardiacus nervi phrenici. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| pericardial branch of thoracic aorta | Small branches of thoracic aorta distributed to the pericardium, in the region of the oblique pericardial sinus, and to posterior mediastinal lymph nodes. Synonym: rami pericardiaci aortae thoracicae. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial cavity | The potential space between the parietal and the visceral layers of the serous pericardium, in the embryo, that part of the primary celom containing the heart; originally it is in open communication with the pericardioperitoneal cavity's and indirectly, through them, with the peritoneal part of the celom. Synonym: cavitas pericardialis, cavum pericardii. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial cyst | <radiology> 90% on right, 25% symptomatic, Differential diagnosis: epicardial lymph node, fat (with or without steroids), Morgagni hernia (12 Dec 1998) |
| pericardial decompression | Incision into the pericardium or aspiration of fluid from pericardium to relieve pressure due to blood or other fluid in the pericardial sac. Synonym: pericardial decompression. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial effusion | <cardiology> A collection of fluid or blood in the pericardial space (inside the pericardial sac) around the heart. Some causes include congestive heart failure, cancer and autoimmune disease. (27 Sep 1997) |
| pericardial fremitus | Vibration in the chest wall produced by the friction of opposing roughened surfaces of the pericardium. See: pericardial rub. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial friction sound | A to-and-fro grating, rasping, or, rarely, creaking sound heard over the heart in some cases of pericarditis, due to rubbing of the inflamed pericardial surfaces as the heart contracts and relaxes; during normal sinus rhythm it is usually triphasic; during any rhythm it may be biphasic or uniphasic. Synonym: pericardial rub, pericardial friction rub. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial knock | An early diastolic sound analogous to the normal third heart sound, but occurring somewhat earlier, due to rapid ventricular filling being abruptly halted by the restricting pericardium; a truly "knocking" quality is uncommon. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial murmur | A friction sound, synchronous with the heart movements, heard in certain cases of pericarditis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial reflex | A vagal reflex seen during operations involving pericardial manipulation; characterised by signs of vagal stimulation (bradycardia and arterial hypotension). (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial rub | A to-and-fro grating, rasping, or, rarely, creaking sound heard over the heart in some cases of pericarditis, due to rubbing of the inflamed pericardial surfaces as the heart contracts and relaxes; during normal sinus rhythm it is usually triphasic; during any rhythm it may be biphasic or uniphasic. Synonym: pericardial rub, pericardial friction rub. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pericardial sac | <anatomy> A tough fibrous membrane that envelops and protects the heart. (27 Sep 1997) |
| pericardial tamponade | <cardiology> A life-threatening clinical syndrome where there is a large collection of fluid (usually blood) inside the pericardial space that interferes with the haemodynamic performance of the heart. The end result is low blood pressure, shock and death if untreated. (27 Sep 1997) |
| pericardial tap | Needle drainage of the pericardium, usually accompanied by placement of an indwelling catheter for continuing drainage. Synonym: pericardial tap, pericardiocentesis. (05 Mar 2000) |