Pericardial Disorders Flashcards
What is Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is an inflammation of the pericardium (the fibrous sac which surrounds the heart). The parietal layer is the layer of the heart which becomes infected, causing inflammation and exudate to form in th pericardial space. The exudate restricts cardiac function, causing cardia output problems.
What causes Pericarditis?
Pericarditis is caused by a variety of things: Infection (virus or bacteria) Injury (usually post-infarction) Can be idiopathic
Here’s a visual.
It’s pericarditis.
What is the pericardium?
The pericardium is the fibrous sac which surrounds the heart. The sac has two different layers. 1. Viscera 2. Parietal
What is the pathophysiology of Pericarditis?
Inflammation of the Parietal layer causes an increase in capillary permability, resulting in exudate to accumulate in the pericardial space. The exudate restricts cardiac function and results in cardiac output problems.
What is contrictive pericarditis?
Constrictive pericarditis is characterized by a thickened, fibrotic pericardium, which limits the hearts ability to function normally.
What are the manifestations of Pericarditis?
Chest pain, Pericardial Rub, and ECG changes. This is known as the Triad and are important for diagnosis.
What are the treatments for Pericarditis?
Treatments is based on the cause of the inflammation. Anti inflammation drugs Antibiotics, if caused from a bacterial source.
Fibrinous or Fluid exudate in Pericarditis. Which is better?
Fluid exudate may be better of the two options because fluid can be displaced with-in the membrane. This may allow for better cardiac function than fibrinous exudate which is not displaced.
What is Cardiac Temponade?
Cardiac Temponade is the compression of the heart by an accumulation of fluid/pus/air in the pericardial space.
What is the danger of cardiac temponade?
The heart is restricted in filling and emptying. This can be a serious life-threatening event. It is also a form of obstructive shock.
What are the manifestations of Cardia Temponade?
Decreased Cardiac Output which results is Decreased Arterial Pressure (BP) Also manifests as temporary tachycardia (this is d/t temporary compensation which then leads to decompensation)
What is the treatment of Cardiac Temponade?
Stat pericardoicentesis (Needle into chest to drain the restricting fluid)
