Diseases of the Pericardium Flashcards
What is pericardial effusion?
Accumulation of excess fluid within the pericardial cavity as either a transudate or exudate
What is serious pericardial effusion? Describe the character of the fluid
A complication of an increase in extracellular fluid volume as occurs in congestive heart failure or the nephrotic syndrome; low protein and few cellular elements
What is chylous effusion?
Fluid containing chylomicrons resulting from a communication of the thoraccic duct with the pericardial space to lymphatic obstruction
What is hemopericardium? Most common cause?
Bleeding directly into pericardial space; Rupture of ventricular wall following MI
A patient is in a traumatic car accident and is brought to the ED. The patients CO and blood pressure is decreasing, and there is an abnormal decrease in systolic pressure with inspiration. What is the Dx? What is this change in pressure called? Describe the pathophysiology of this condition
Cardiac tamponade; Pulsus paradoxus; The filling of the pericardium with fulid restricts the filling of the heart (especially if the pressure within the pericardium is greater than the central venous pressure)
What is pericarditis?
Inflammation of the visceral or parietal pericardium
What is the most common cause of pericarditis?
Undiagnosed viral infection
What are the types of acute pericarditis? What type is most common?
- Fibrinous
- Purulent
- Hemorrhagic
Fibrinous is most common
What causes fibrinous endocarditis?
Uremia, viral infection, and pericarditis following MI
What causes purulent myocarditis?
Bacterial infection
What causes hemorrhagic pericarditis?
Bleeding into pericardial space following aggressive infection
How is pericarditis differentiated from angina pectoris?
It does not radiate down the left arm
A patient with a small quiet heart has restricted venous inflow and a high venous pressure. The patient dies. The physician suspects right heart failure but you are astute and provide the correct Dx. What is the Dx? What other conditions were likely seen in this patient?
Constrictive Pericarditis; Low CO, Small pulse pressure, fluid retention with ascites and peripheral edema
