ACUTE CARDIAC TAMPONADE
Cardiac tamponade ( pericardial tamponade, cardiac compression ) is a clinical syndrome caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, resulting in reduced ventricular filling and subsequent hemodynamic compromise. CAUSES: chest trauma myocardial rupture cancer uremia pericarditis cardiac surgery COMPLAINTS : Shortness of breath Weakness L ightheadedness C ough. Retrograde aortic dissection CLINICAL SIGNS : Rapid breathing Weak or absent peripheral pulses BECK's TRIAD(was described by the thoracic surgeon Calude S. Beck in 1935.): pulsus paradoxus ( a fall of systolic blood pressure of >10 mmHg during the inspiratory phase. ) fast heart rate ECG: low voltage QRS complexes Echocardiography: enlarged pericardium or collapsed ventricles X-RAY: enlarged globular-shaped heart. Chest CT and MRT signs. TREATMENT: Pericardiocentesis and/or pericardiotomy Oxygen and/or mechanical ventila