ABSTRACT
The pericardium forms a double-layered sac around the heart and is attached to the great vessels at the heart base. There is an outer fibrous layer (parietal pericardium) and an inner serous membrane covering the heart (visceral pericardium or epicardium)1. A small volume (~0.25 ml/kg) of serous fluid, normally between these layers, serves as a lubricant. The pericardium helps balance the output of the right and left ventricles, limits acute distension of the heart, and maintains normal cardiac position within the chest. The pericardium also provides a barrier to infection or inflammation of surrounding structures2.
