Why does pericardial effusion cause jugular vein distension?
Pericardial effusion can cause jugular venous distension because the main complication of pericardial effusion is the occurrence of heart failure. Once heart failure occurs, especially right heart failure, it can lead to jugular venous distension, which is also a manifestation of heart failure. If heart failure is corrected and treated in time, this jugular venous distension can also be alleviated. However, the treatment of pericardial effusion depends on the severity of the symptoms. If there is a small amount of pericardial effusion, temporary observation and medical treatment are mainly used. For large amounts of pericardial effusion, sometimes puncture drainage for examination or pathological examination may be needed.