Last Updated on July 26, 2022
Introduction
• Cardiac tamponade = pericardial effusion that causes increased intrapericardial pressure, leading to reduced ventricular filling & reduced cardiac output
Causes
• Trauma
• Viral infection
• Tuberculosis
• Malignancy
• Radiation to the chest area
Presentation
Individual with underlying risk factors of cardiac tamponade, presented with acute onset of SOB + hypotension (shock)
Symptoms
• Shortness of breath
• Orthopnoea
Signs
• Hypotension
• Raised JVP
• Muffled heart sound
Investigations
ECG
• Electrical alternans
• Microvoltage
Imaging
(i) Chest X-ray
(ii) Bedside ultrasound of heart
Diagnosis
Beck’s triad
• Hypotension
• Raised JVP
• Muffled heart sound
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However, Beck’s triad is not sensitive for cardiac tamponade
Three-Step scoring System
Management
• Pericardiocentesis (if indicated)
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