A noninflammatory accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac.
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hy·dro·peri·car·di·um .hī-drō-.per-ə-'kär-dē-əm n, pl -dia -dē-ə an excess of watery fluid in the pericardial cavity
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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 If the heart is compressed the fluid is withdrawn (aspirated) via a needle inserted into the pericardial sac through the chest wall (pericardiocentesis).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.
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hy·dro·peri·car·di·um (hi″dro-per″ĭ-kahrґde-əm) [hydro- + pericardium] abnormal accumulation of serous fluid in the pericardial cavity.Medical dictionary. 2011.