Pericardial Disease - Pericardial effusion Flashcards
1
Q
What is pericardial effusion?
A
Accumulation of fluid in pericardial sac
May be haemodynamically significant - then its tamponade
2
Q
Causes?
A
Often a complication of pericarditis
3
Q
Symptoms?
A
Fatigue
Dyspnoea
Dizzy
Occasional chest pain
4
Q
Signs?
A
Raised JVP
Low BP
Pericardial rub and muffled heart sounds
5
Q
Investigations?
A
Look for cardiac tamponade
Echos urgently
CxR
ECG
6
Q
What will echos show?
A
A echo free zone surrounding heart
7
Q
What will a CxR show?
A
An enlarged globular heart
8
Q
What will an ECG show?
A
Low voltage QRS
Alternating QRS shapes
9
Q
Treatment?
A
Drainage and send fluid for a culture
Persistant effusion needs a surgical pericardial window so fluid runs into abdomen
