Emergency - Cardiac tamponade

Question 1

What are the classical features of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 1

Beck’s triad:

• Hypotension
• Raised JVP
• Muffled heart sounds

Question 2

What is the management of cardiac tamponade?

Answer 2

Urgent pericardiocentesis

Question 3

How can a cardiac tamponade be quickly diagnosed if suspected?

Answer 3

FAST scan - Focussed Ultrasound Sonography in Trauma OR

RUSH scan - Rapid Ultrasound for Shock and Hypotension

Question 4

How can cardiac tamponade present on ECG?

Answer 4

Electrical alternans

Question 5

Which patients should you suspect cardiac tamponade in?

Answer 5

• Trauma patients
• Post cardiac intervention e.g. PCI, CABG, TAVI