Last Updated on August 19, 2026
Introduction
• Cardiac tamponade = pericardial effusion that causes increased intrapericardial pressure, leading to reduced ventricular filling & reduced cardiac output
Causes
•
Trauma
• Penetrating / blunt injuries to the chest area Radiotherapy
• Trauma from procedures done to the heart
• Viral infection
• Tuberculosis
• Malignancy
•
Radiation
Presentation
Individual with underlying risk factors of cardiac tamponade, presented with acute onset of SOB + hypotension (shock)
Symptoms
•
Shortness of breath
• Acute onset
• Orthopnoea
Signs
• Hypotension
• Raised JVP
• Muffled heart sound
Investigations
ECG
•
Electrical alternans
• Microvoltage
Imaging
(i)
Chest X-ray
Water-bottle sign
(ii) Bedside ultrasound of heart
Diagnosis
Beck’s triad
• Hypotension
• Raised JVP
• Muffled heart sound
=====
However, Beck’s triad is not sensitive for cardiac tamponade
Three-Step scoring System
Management
•
Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis: https://www.myhouseman.my/pericardiocentesis/
Related Posts
-
Pericardiocentesis
×Pericardiocentesis
Pericardiocentesis: https://www.myhouseman.my/pericardiocentesis/
- Shock
- Chest X-rays
Q&A
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