Cardiac Tamponade

Question 1

What is a cardiac tamponade?

Answer 1

Fluid buildup in the pericardium, which inhibits the pumping function of the heart and reduced cardiac output due to decreased preload

Most cases of cardiac tamponade are emergencies. Untreated, cardiac tamponade can cause shock and, ultimately, death.

Question 2

What is the pathogenesis of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 2

The pericardial effusion is often paired for pericardial inflammation.

This is due to:

• Infection of the pericardial sac
• Cancer
• Inflammation of the pericardial sac from a heart attack
• Trauma from procedures done to the heart.
• Autoimmune disease
• Reactions to certain medicines

Question 3

What is the clinical presentation of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 3

The classic signs in cardiac tamponade are included in Beck’s triad of hypotension, jugular venous distension, and muffled heart sounds

An echocardiogram can confirm the diagnosis

Question 4

How would you manage cardiac tamponade?

Answer 4

he most common procedure to do so is a pericardiocentesis. A needle and a long thin tube (a catheter) are used to remove the fluid.