Monday 22 November 2010

MRCP revision battle 57.2: Cardiac tamponade

Cardiac tamponade occurs when pericardial fluid collects to a degree that prevents the heart pumping.

On echo you see RA+/- RV collapse during diastle.


The classic triad is Becks:
  • falling BP
  • rising JVP
  • muffled heart sounds

Other possible signs include:
  • Kussmauls = rising JVP on inspiration
  • pulsus paradoxus
  • JVP - loss of y descent, x descent prominant


ECG may show electrical alternanas


Treatment is ugern pericardiocentesis