Chronic pericardial effusion: current concepts and emerging trends.

The management of patients with PEFs is mainly based on four parameters, namely, haemodynamic impact on diastolic function, elevation of inflammatory markers, presence of a specific underlying condition known to be associated with PEF, and finally size and duration of the effusion. Novel data have contributed to change our view towards large, asymptomatic, 'idiopathic' PEFs and dictated a rather conservative approach in most cases. It is also stressed that there is a compelling need for additional research, which is essential for tailored treatments aiming at the improvement of quality of life and containment of health care costs.