Hemopericardium

Hemopericardium refers to blood in the pericardial space. It is clinically similar to a pericardial effusion, and, depending on the volume and rapidity with which it develops, may cause cardiac tamponade.

The condition can be caused by full-thickness necrosis (death) of the myocardium (heart muscle) after myocardial infarction, as well as trauma and in patients receiving anticoagulants.