The Pericardium and Its Pathology

摘要: The human pericardial sac normally contains a small amount of fluid which forms continuous, thin layer around the heart. It seems that most is produced in underlying myocardium, and it readily diffuses through mesothelial tissues visceral pericardium into sac. protein levels are about one-quarter to one-third plasma values. concentrations sodium, calcium magnesium slightly greater than plasma, fact can be accounted for by Donnan equilibrium (Gibson Segal 1978). Potassium too high arise from effect, has been suggested they may reflect similarly potassium myocardial interstitium, bathes continuously active muscle. Some reabsorbed lymphatics capillaries, latter being connected coronary veins right atrium. Most fluid, however, re-absorbed parietal at base heart (Chapter 2, p.22) eventually drain thoracic duct. Less well known connections between peritoneal cavities. These probably mainly lymphatics, although more direct communications might also exist. Such pathways postulated account occasional involvement sometimes accompanies an intra-abdominal lesion.