Cardiac Tamponade

Cardiol Clin. 2017 Nov;35(4):525-537. doi: 10.1016/j.ccl.2017.07.006.

Abstract

Cardiac tamponade is caused by an abnormal increase in fluid accumulation in the pericardial sac, which, by raising intracardiac pressures, impedes normal cardiac filling and reduces cardiac output, sometimes dramatically so. This article outlines the pathophysiology, clinical features, and treatment of this important clinical condition highlighting the important role played by echocardiography in diagnosis and management.

Keywords: Cardiac compression; Cardiac tamponade; Echo-Doppler findings; Pericardial effusion.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiac Output
  • Cardiac Tamponade / diagnostic imaging*
  • Cardiac Tamponade / etiology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / physiopathology
  • Cardiac Tamponade / surgery
  • Drainage*
  • Echocardiography
  • Echocardiography, Doppler
  • Humans
  • Pericardial Effusion / complications
  • Pericardial Effusion / physiopathology
  • Pericardiocentesis*
  • Pressure
  • Surgery, Computer-Assisted