Cardiac Tamponade

Question 1

The principal management of cardiac tamponade is…

Answer 1

an urgent needle pericardiocentesis.

Question 2

Overview of management of cardiac tamponade

Answer 2

Management of cardiac tamponade involves urgent drainage of the pericardial fluid, usually via needle pericardiocentesis. This involves the insertion of a needle into the pericardial space and removing the surrounding fluid with or without the insertion of a pericardial drain. Depending on the urgency of the situation, this may be performed by anatomical landmarks, with echocardiography guidance, or using fluoroscopy in a cardiac suite. Cardiac surgery may be an alternative option to drain a pericardial effusion causing tamponade in some situations. Major complications of pericardiocentesis include bleeding and left ventricular failure.

Question 3

This patient has evidence of … … with Beck’s triad: elevated JVP, muffled heart sounds, hypotension.

Answer 3

This patient has evidence of cardiac tamponade with Beck’s triad: elevated JVP, muffled heart sounds, hypotension.

Question 4

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency and this patient needs an urgent echocardiogram followed by a needle …. Given the recent angiography and stent insertion, it could be an iatrogenic complication. Alternatively, rupture of the free wall of the ventricle from infarction could lead to blood being passed into the pericardial sac. In this situation, an emergency call (2222) should be placed and fast-bleep to the cardiology registrar to help manage the tamponade.

Answer 4

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency and this patient needs an urgent echocardiogram followed by a needle pericardiocentesis. Given the recent angiography and stent insertion, it could be an iatrogenic complication. Alternatively, rupture of the free wall of the ventricle from infarction could lead to blood being passed into the pericardial sac. In this situation, an emergency call (2222) should be placed and fast-bleep to the cardiology registrar to help manage the tamponade.

Question 5

Cardiac tamponade: compression of the heart by pericardial fluid, which can lead to cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Requires urgent pericardial paracentesis. Rarely occurs in viral/idiopathic acute …

Answer 5

Cardiac tamponade: compression of the heart by pericardial fluid, which can lead to cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. Requires urgent pericardial paracentesis. Rarely occurs in viral/idiopathic acute pericarditis