To explore the source of pericardial effusion, we measured total protein, albumin, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase isoenzyme, lactate dehydrogenase, potassium, sodium, and chloride ions in serum and pericardial effusion.
Hypothyroidism causes pericardial effusion through increased permeability of the epicardial vessels and decreased lymphatic drainage of albumin, resulting in accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space.
CT attenuation values had a close correlation with the pericardial fluidalbumin (r=0.829), protein (r=0.752), and LDH (r=0.708) levels; WBC count (r=0.564); protein ratio (r=0.739); and LDH ratio (r=0.689) as well as the albumin gradient (r=-0.725).