Can Coxsackie virus cause pericardial effusion?

The correct answer indicates that Coxsackie virus can indeed cause pericardial effusion. Coxsackie virus, a member of the enterovirus family, is known to affect the heart and can lead to acute viral myocarditis. This condition can in turn result in inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac surrounding the heart) and subsequent accumulation of fluid, leading to pericardial effusion.

Pericardial effusion is characterized by fluid build-up in the pericardial space, and viral infections are a known cause of this condition. The mechanism involves the virus's ability to provoke an inflammatory response in the pericardium, which can increase the permeability of the pericardial sac and lead to fluid accumulation.

While the virus can affect individuals of any age, it is particularly noted for its impact on children and young adults, but it does not restrict its effects to only specific age groups. It can result in pericardial effusion across different demographics, not solely in children or the elderly, making it a broader concern in patients with viral infections. This broad applicability reinforces the importance of understanding the viral etiology behind conditions affecting the pericardium.