n. the presence of air and clear fluid within the pericardial sac around the heart, which is most commonly due to entry of air during pericardiocentesis (see hydropericardium). The presence of air does not affect the management of the patient.
n. accumulation of a clear serous fluid within the membranous sac surrounding the heart. It occurs in many cases of *pericarditis (hydropericarditis). If the heart is compressed the fluid is withdrawn (aspirated) via a needle inserted into the pericardial sac through the chest wall (pericardiocentesis). See also hydropneumopericardium.... hydropericardium
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