Cardiac Tamponade

Question 0

Beck’s Triad (Clinical Presentation)

Answer 0

1. Hypotension
2. Elevated JVP (distended neck veins)
3. Muffled heart sounds

Question 1

Definition

Answer 1

Pressure due to collected blood in sealed pericardial sac leads to reduced left ventricular end diastolic volume

Question 2

Investigations

Answer 2

• CXR (straightened left heart border or widened mediastinum)
• ECG (ST segment elevation)
• U/S
• CVP > 15cm
• FAST Echo

Question 3

Management

Answer 3

1. Pericardiocentesis - inserting needle in 5th ICS and aspirating fluid with U/S guidance
2. Emergency department thoracotomy