Cardiac tamponade overview: Difference between revisions
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Cardiac tamponade''' is a [[medical emergency]] condition in which fluid/blood accumulates in the [[pericardium]] (the sac in which the [[heart]] is enclosed). The elevated pericardial pressure puts significant pressure on the heart, causing a decrease in the diastolic filling of the ventricles, and hence in [[stroke volume]]. The end result is ineffective pumping of blood, [[Shock (medical)|shock]], and potentially death. It is caused mainly by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled [[pericardial effusion]]. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of trauma or myocardial rupture), or over a more gradual period of time (as in cancer). The fluid involved is often [[blood]], but [[pus]] is also found in some circumstances. Common causes of increased [[pericardial effusion]] include [[hypothyroidism]], [[trauma]] (either penetrating trauma involving the pericardium or blunt chest trauma), [[pericarditis]] (inflammation of the pericardium), iatrogenic trauma (during an invasive procedure), and [[ventricular rupture]]. It should be differentiated from [[tension pneumothorax]], [[hypovolemia]] and acute [[congestive heart failure]]. Patients with [[cardiac tamponade]] may present with sudden onset of [[chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[breathlessness]] and [[lightheadedness]]. Physical examination may show the classic [[Beck's triad]] ([[hypotension]], muffled heart sound, and elevated [[jugular venous distension]]), [[tachycardia]], [[pulsus paradoxus]], and [[pericardial rub]] depending on the type, and severity of tamponade. The electrocardiogram in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates sinus tachycardia, and may sometimes show [[reduced QRS voltage]] and [[electrical alternans]].Chest X ray will demonstrate [[pneumopericardium]] and cardiac silhouette changes. | '''Cardiac tamponade''' is a [[medical emergency]] condition in which fluid/[[blood]] accumulates in the [[pericardium]] (the sac in which the [[heart]] is enclosed). The elevated [[pericardial]] pressure puts significant pressure on the [[heart]], causing a decrease in the [[diastolic]] filling of the [[ventricles]], and hence in [[stroke volume]]. The end result is ineffective pumping of [[blood]], [[Shock (medical)|shock]], and potentially death. It is caused mainly by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled [[pericardial effusion]]. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of [[trauma]] or [[myocardial rupture]]), or over a more gradual period of time (as in [[cancer]]). The fluid involved is often [[blood]], but [[pus]] is also found in some circumstances. Common [[causes]] of increased [[pericardial effusion]] include [[hypothyroidism]], [[trauma]] (either penetrating [[trauma]] involving the [[pericardium]] or blunt [[chest trauma]]), [[pericarditis]] ([[inflammation]] of the [[pericardium]]), [[iatrogenic]] [[trauma]] (during an [[invasive]] procedure), and [[ventricular rupture]]. It should be differentiated from [[tension pneumothorax]], [[hypovolemia]] and acute [[congestive heart failure]]. [[Patients]] with [[cardiac tamponade]] may present with sudden onset of [[chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[breathlessness]] and [[lightheadedness]]. [[Physical examination]] may show the classic [[Beck's triad]] ([[hypotension]], [[Muffled heart sounds|muffled heart sound]], and elevated [[jugular venous distension]]), [[tachycardia]], [[pulsus paradoxus]], and [[pericardial rub]] depending on the type, and severity of tamponade. The [[electrocardiogram]] in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates [[sinus tachycardia]], and may sometimes show [[reduced QRS voltage]] and [[electrical alternans]]. [[Chest X ray]] will demonstrate [[pneumopericardium]] and [[cardiac]] silhouette changes. [[Echocardiography]] findings include [[pericardial effusion]], [[diastolic]] compression of the [[RV]], [[diastolic]] compression of the [[right atrium]] (RA), [[plethora]] of the [[inferior vena cava]] and [[paradoxical septal motion]]. [[Pericardiocentesis]] can provide a [[diagnostic]] sampling of [[pericardial fluid]] and can be used as a [[therapeutic]] maneuver to evacuate [[pericardial fluid]] and lower the [[pericardial]] pressure. | ||
==Historical Perspective== | ==Historical Perspective== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is a very common emergent manifestation, which can be caused by traumatic injuries, since the emulation of the disease tracks back to centuries ago. Acknowledgment of existing pericardial is first done by hippocrates, which was continued by Galen to describing what is now known as pericardial effusion. | Cardiac tamponade is a very common emergent manifestation, which can be caused by [[Trauma|traumatic]] [[injuries]], since the emulation of the [[disease]] tracks back to centuries ago. Acknowledgment of existing [[pericardial]] is first done by [[Hippocrates Centre|hippocrates]], which was continued by Galen to describing what is now known as [[pericardial effusion]]. | ||
==Classification== | ==Classification== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is an emergency form of cardiac effusion. it is more over classified by the pathological causes. The management of emergent situation is not very differed by the basic cause. | Cardiac tamponade is an [[emergency]] form of [[cardiac]] effusion. it is more over classified by the [[pathological]] [[causes]]. The management of emergent situation is not very differed by the basic [[Causes|cause]]. | ||
==Pathophysiology== | ==Pathophysiology== | ||
[[Cardiac tamponade]] occurs when the pericardial space fills up with fluid faster than the pericardial sac can stretch. If the amount of fluid increases slowly (such as in [[hypothyroid]]ism) the pericardial sac can expand to contain a liter or more of fluid prior to tamponade occurring. If the fluid occurs rapidly (as may occur after trauma or myocardial rupture) as little as 100 ml can cause tamponade. However, if the volume of the fluid accumulation is too rapid and or large, then the hemodynamic compromise can occur with a rise in pericardial pressure. This in turn reduces [[stroke volume]], and eventually, [[cardiac output]]. If fluid continues to accumulate, then with each successive diastole, less and less blood enters the ventricles, as the increasing pressure presses on the heart and forces the [[Interventricular septum|septum]] to bend into the [[left ventricle]], leading to a decreased stroke volume. | [[Cardiac tamponade]] occurs when the [[pericardial]] space fills up with fluid faster than the [[pericardial sac]] can stretch. If the amount of fluid increases slowly (such as in [[hypothyroid]]ism) the [[pericardial sac]] can expand to contain a liter or more of fluid prior to [[tamponade]] occurring. If the fluid occurs rapidly (as may occur after [[trauma]] or [[myocardial rupture]]) as little as 100 ml can cause [[tamponade]]. However, if the volume of the fluid accumulation is too rapid and or large, then the [[hemodynamic]] compromise can occur with a rise in [[pericardial]] [[pressure]]. This in turn reduces [[stroke volume]], and eventually, [[cardiac output]]. If fluid continues to accumulate, then with each successive [[diastole]], less and less [[blood]] enters the [[ventricles]], as the increasing [[pressure]] presses on the [[heart]] and forces the [[Interventricular septum|septum]] to bend into the [[left ventricle]], leading to a decreased [[stroke volume]]. | ||
==Causes== | ==Causes== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is caused by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled [[pericardial effusion]]. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of trauma or myocardial rupture), or over a more gradual period of time (as in cancer). The fluid involved is often [[blood]], but [[pus]] is also found in some circumstances. Common causes of increased [[pericardial effusion]] include [[hypothyroidism]], [[trauma]] (either penetrating trauma involving the pericardium or blunt chest trauma), [[pericarditis]] (inflammation of the pericardium), iatrogenic trauma (during an invasive procedure), and [[ventricular rupture]]. | Cardiac tamponade is caused by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled [[pericardial effusion]]. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of [[trauma]] or [[myocardial rupture]]), or over a more gradual period of time (as in [[cancer]]). The fluid involved is often [[blood]], but [[pus]] is also found in some circumstances. Common [[causes]] of increased [[pericardial effusion]] include [[hypothyroidism]], [[trauma]] (either penetrating [[trauma]] involving the [[pericardium]] or blunt [[chest trauma]]), [[pericarditis]] ([[inflammation]] of the [[pericardium]]), [[iatrogenic]] [[trauma]] (during an [[invasive]] procedure), and [[ventricular rupture]]. | ||
==Differentiating cardiac tamponade from Other Diseases== | ==Differentiating cardiac tamponade from Other Diseases== | ||
The initial diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be challenging, as there are a number of [[Differential diagnosis|differential diagnoses]], including [[tension pneumothorax]], [[hypovolemia]] and acute [[congestive heart failure]]. The differential diagnosis of cardiac tamponade differs based on the type of cardiac tamponade (either acute or subacute). | The initial [[diagnosis]] of cardiac tamponade can be challenging, as there are a number of [[Differential diagnosis|differential diagnoses]], including [[tension pneumothorax]], [[hypovolemia]] and acute [[congestive heart failure]]. The differential [[diagnosis]] of cardiac tamponade differs based on the type of cardiac tamponade (either [[acute]] or [[subacute]]). | ||
==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ==Epidemiology and Demographics== | ||
The cardiac tamponade is most often attributed to the rupture of an acute [[myocardial infarction]] or an intrapericardial rupture of a dissecting ascending [[aortic aneurysm]]. In developed countries malignancy is the leading cause of [[cardiac tamponade]] secondary to [[pericardial effusion]]. | The cardiac tamponade is most often attributed to the rupture of an acute [[myocardial infarction]] or an intrapericardial rupture of a dissecting ascending [[aortic aneurysm]]. In developed countries malignancy is the leading cause of [[cardiac tamponade]] secondary to [[pericardial effusion]]. The incidence of cardiac tamponade based on a giant sample size of about 216 million emergency admissions was about 115,638(0.05%). The incidence of cardiac tamponade increases with age; the mean age was around 61.9. Cardiac temponade mortality rate is significantly different due to its underlying cause. | ||
==Risk Factors== | ==Risk Factors== | ||
Most potent risk factors for cardiac tamponade include heart surgeries, cardiac myxomas, myocardial infarction and | Most potent [[risk factors]] for cardiac tamponade include [[heart]] [[surgeries]], [[Cardiac myxoma|cardiac myxomas]], [[myocardial infarction]] and [[trauma]]<nowiki/>s. | ||
==Screening== | ==Screening== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is more of a clinical diagnosis. | Cardiac tamponade is more of a [[clinical]] [[diagnosis]]. If the [[patient]] [[clinical]] manifestation was raising suspicious toward [[tamponade]], [[CT scan]] and [[echocardiogram]] are [[diagnostic]] [[Gold standard (test)|gold standards]] for the [[disease]]. | ||
==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis== | ==Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis== | ||
[[Cardiac tamponade]] is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention to remove the pericardial fluid. Complications include [[pulmonary edema]], [[cardiac failure]], [[cardiogenic shock]] and ultimately death. | [[Cardiac tamponade]] is a [[life]]-threatening condition requiring urgent [[Intervention (counseling)|intervention]] to remove the [[pericardial fluid]]. [[Complications]] include [[pulmonary edema]], [[cardiac failure]], [[cardiogenic shock]] and ultimately death. | ||
Cardiac tamponade has a good prognosis if detected early and treated immediately. Short-term survival is mostly dependent on early diagnosis and relief of tamponade. Long-term survival depends upon the prognosis of the underlying cause, irrespective of the mode of treatment. | Cardiac tamponade has a good [[prognosis]] if detected early and treated immediately. Short-term [[Survival rate|survival]] is mostly dependent on early [[diagnosis]] and relief of [[tamponade]]. Long-term [[Survival rate|survival]] depends upon the [[prognosis]] of the underlying [[Causes|cause]], irrespective of the mode of treatment. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
===Diagnostic Study of Choice=== | ===Diagnostic Study of Choice=== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is more of a clinical diagnosis, but still some diagnostic studies may be helpful. | Cardiac tamponade is more of a [[clinical]] [[diagnosis]], but still some [[diagnostic]] studies may be helpful. | ||
===History and Symptoms=== | ===History and Symptoms=== | ||
Patients with [[cardiac tamponade]] may present with sudden onset of [[chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[breathlessness]] and [[lightheadedness]]. Presentation vary with the cause and acuteness of development of tamponade. An acute cardiac tamponade follows trauma to the chest or rupture of the aorta or heart. A | [[Patients]] with [[cardiac tamponade]] may present with sudden onset of [[chest pain]], [[palpitations]], [[breathlessness]] and [[lightheadedness]]. Presentation vary with the [[Causes|cause]] and [[Acute|acuteness]] of development of [[tamponade]]. An [[acute]] cardiac tamponade follows [[trauma]] to the [[chest]] or [[rupture]] of the [[aorta]] or [[heart]]. A [[subacute]] cardiac tamponade occurs in the setting of a [[neoplasm]] or [[renal failure]]. A low [[pressure]] cardiac tamponade occurs in [[patients]] who are [[hypovolemic]] secondary to [[hemorrhage]] or over [[diuresis]]. | ||
===Physical Examination=== | ===Physical Examination=== | ||
Physical examination may vary depending on the type of [[cardiac tamponade]]. Physical examination may show the classic [[Beck's triad]] ([[hypotension]], muffled heart sound, and elevated [[jugular venous distension]]), [[tachycardia]], [[pulsus paradoxus]], and [[pericardial rub]] depending on the type, and severity of tamponade. Initial diagnosis can be challenging, as there are a number of [[Differential diagnosis|differential diagnoses]], including [[tension pneumothorax]], and acute [[heart failure]]. | [[Physical examination]] may vary depending on the type of [[cardiac tamponade]]. [[Physical examination]] may show the classic [[Beck's triad]] ([[hypotension]], [[Muffled heart sounds|muffled heart sound]], and elevated [[jugular venous distension]]), [[tachycardia]], [[pulsus paradoxus]], and [[pericardial rub]] depending on the type, and severity of [[tamponade]]. Initial [[diagnosis]] can be challenging, as there are a number of [[Differential diagnosis|differential diagnoses]], including [[tension pneumothorax]], and acute [[heart failure]]. | ||
===Laboratory Findings=== | ===Laboratory Findings=== | ||
Non-specific markers of inflammation are generally elevated in pericarditis. This include the [[CBC]], elevated [[C-reactive protein]], [[ESR]]. The [[cardiac troponin]] is elevated if there is injury to the underlying myocardium, a condition termed [[myopericarditis]]. Diagnostic [[pericardiocentesis]] and biopsy help in identifying an underlying infectious or malignant process. | Non-specific markers of [[inflammation]] are generally elevated in [[pericarditis]]. This include the [[CBC]], elevated [[C-reactive protein]], [[ESR]]. The [[cardiac troponin]] is elevated if there is [[injury]] to the underlying [[myocardium]], a condition termed [[myopericarditis]]. [[Diagnostic]] [[pericardiocentesis]] and [[biopsy]] help in identifying an underlying [[infectious]] or [[malignant]] process. | ||
===Electrocardiogram=== | ===Electrocardiogram=== | ||
The electrocardiogram in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates sinus tachycardia, and may sometimes show [[reduced QRS voltage]] and [[electrical alternans]]. | The [[electrocardiogram]] in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates [[sinus tachycardia]], and may sometimes show [[reduced QRS voltage]] and [[electrical alternans]]. | ||
===X-ray=== | ===X-ray=== | ||
Cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis, however chest X ray can be helpful sometimes. It will demonstrate [[pneumopericardium]] and cardiac silhouette changes. | Cardiac tamponade is a [[clinical]] [[diagnosis]], however [[chest X ray]] can be helpful sometimes. It will demonstrate [[pneumopericardium]] and cardiac silhouette changes. | ||
===Echocardiography and Ultrasound=== | ===Echocardiography and Ultrasound=== | ||
The role of echocardiography in the evaluation of the patient with pericarditis is to | The role of [[echocardiography]] in the evaluation of the [[patient]] with [[pericarditis]] is to characterize the presence, size, location and [[hemodynamic]] impact of a [[pericardial effusion]]. [[Tamponade]] is characterized by [[pericardial effusion]], [[diastolic]] compression of the [[RV]], [[diastolic]] compression of the [[right atrium]] (RA), [[plethora]] of the [[inferior vena cava]] and [[paradoxical septal motion]]. | ||
===CT scan=== | ===CT scan=== | ||
A CT scan is not commonly used for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively | A [[CT scan]] is not commonly used for the [[diagnosis]] of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively [[diagnose]]<nowiki/>d based on [[clinical]] features and [[echocardiography]]. Findings on CT include [Superior vena cava]] and[[Inferior vena cava]] enlargement, [[Hepatic vein|Hepatic]] and [[renal vein]] enlargment, periportal edema, reflux of contrast material, collapse of the [[right atrium]], [[Pericardial]] thickening. | ||
===MRI=== | ===MRI=== | ||
Cardiovascular MRI is not commonly used for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively | [[Cardiovascular]] [[MRI]] is not commonly used for the [[diagnosis]] of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively [[diagnose]]<nowiki/>d based on [[clinical]] features and [[echocardiography]]. Findings include [[Pericardial effusion]], distension of the [[vena cavae]] and [[hepatic vein]], collapse of the right sided cardiac chambers, interventricular septum shifts towards the left, [[paradoxical septal motion]]. | ||
===Other Imaging Findings=== | ===Other Imaging Findings=== | ||
There are no other imaging findings associated with cardiac tamponade. | There are no other [[imaging]] findings associated with cardiac tamponade. | ||
===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | ===Other Diagnostic Studies=== | ||
There are no other diagnostic studies associated with cardiac tampnoade. | There are no other [[diagnostic]] studies associated with cardiac tampnoade. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
===Medical Therapy=== | ===Medical Therapy=== | ||
If the patient is symptomatic, and if there are signs of cardiac tamponade, urgent [[pericardiocentesis]] should be performed. Additional supportive therapy includes the administration of [[oxygen]], fluid repletion, echocardiographic monitoring, treatment of underlying pathology, reversal of anticoagulation and monitoring. | If the [[patient]] is [[symptomatic]], and if there are [[signs]] of cardiac tamponade, urgent [[pericardiocentesis]] should be performed. Additional supportive therapy includes the administration of [[oxygen]], [[fluid]] repletion, [[echocardiographic]] monitoring, treatment of underlying [[pathology]], reversal of [[anticoagulation]] and monitoring. | ||
=== | ===Surgery=== | ||
Percutaneous pericardiocentesis is a procedure where fluid is aspirated from the [[pericardium]] (the sac enveloping the [[heart]]) using a needle via a percutaneous approach. Pericardiocentesis can provide a diagnostic sampling of pericardial fluid and can be used as a therapeutic maneuver to evacuate pericardial fluid and lower the pericardial pressure. | [[Percutaneous]] [[pericardiocentesis]] is a procedure where [[fluid]] is [[Aspirate|aspirated]] from the [[pericardium]] (the sac enveloping the [[heart]]) using a [[needle]] via a [[percutaneous]] approach. [[Pericardiocentesis]] can provide a [[diagnostic]] sampling of [[pericardial fluid]] and can be used as a therapeutic maneuver to evacuate [[pericardial fluid]] and lower the [[pericardial]] [[pressure]]. | ||
===Primary Prevention=== | ===Primary Prevention=== | ||
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of cardiac tamponade. | There are no established measures for the [[primary prevention]] of cardiac tamponade. | ||
===Secondary Prevention=== | ===Secondary Prevention=== | ||
There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of cardiac tamponade. | There are no established measures for the [[secondary prevention]] of cardiac tamponade. | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
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Latest revision as of 20:48, 29 July 2020
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]; Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S Ramyar Ghandriz MD[3]
Overview
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency condition in which fluid/blood accumulates in the pericardium (the sac in which the heart is enclosed). The elevated pericardial pressure puts significant pressure on the heart, causing a decrease in the diastolic filling of the ventricles, and hence in stroke volume. The end result is ineffective pumping of blood, shock, and potentially death. It is caused mainly by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled pericardial effusion. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of trauma or myocardial rupture), or over a more gradual period of time (as in cancer). The fluid involved is often blood, but pus is also found in some circumstances. Common causes of increased pericardial effusion include hypothyroidism, trauma (either penetrating trauma involving the pericardium or blunt chest trauma), pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), iatrogenic trauma (during an invasive procedure), and ventricular rupture. It should be differentiated from tension pneumothorax, hypovolemia and acute congestive heart failure. Patients with cardiac tamponade may present with sudden onset of chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness and lightheadedness. Physical examination may show the classic Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sound, and elevated jugular venous distension), tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus, and pericardial rub depending on the type, and severity of tamponade. The electrocardiogram in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates sinus tachycardia, and may sometimes show reduced QRS voltage and electrical alternans. Chest X ray will demonstrate pneumopericardium and cardiac silhouette changes. Echocardiography findings include pericardial effusion, diastolic compression of the RV, diastolic compression of the right atrium (RA), plethora of the inferior vena cava and paradoxical septal motion. Pericardiocentesis can provide a diagnostic sampling of pericardial fluid and can be used as a therapeutic maneuver to evacuate pericardial fluid and lower the pericardial pressure.
Historical Perspective
Cardiac tamponade is a very common emergent manifestation, which can be caused by traumatic injuries, since the emulation of the disease tracks back to centuries ago. Acknowledgment of existing pericardial is first done by hippocrates, which was continued by Galen to describing what is now known as pericardial effusion.
Classification
Cardiac tamponade is an emergency form of cardiac effusion. it is more over classified by the pathological causes. The management of emergent situation is not very differed by the basic cause.
Pathophysiology
Cardiac tamponade occurs when the pericardial space fills up with fluid faster than the pericardial sac can stretch. If the amount of fluid increases slowly (such as in hypothyroidism) the pericardial sac can expand to contain a liter or more of fluid prior to tamponade occurring. If the fluid occurs rapidly (as may occur after trauma or myocardial rupture) as little as 100 ml can cause tamponade. However, if the volume of the fluid accumulation is too rapid and or large, then the hemodynamic compromise can occur with a rise in pericardial pressure. This in turn reduces stroke volume, and eventually, cardiac output. If fluid continues to accumulate, then with each successive diastole, less and less blood enters the ventricles, as the increasing pressure presses on the heart and forces the septum to bend into the left ventricle, leading to a decreased stroke volume.
Causes
Cardiac tamponade is caused by the accumulation of a large or uncontrolled pericardial effusion. The effusion can occur rapidly (as in the case of trauma or myocardial rupture), or over a more gradual period of time (as in cancer). The fluid involved is often blood, but pus is also found in some circumstances. Common causes of increased pericardial effusion include hypothyroidism, trauma (either penetrating trauma involving the pericardium or blunt chest trauma), pericarditis (inflammation of the pericardium), iatrogenic trauma (during an invasive procedure), and ventricular rupture.
Differentiating cardiac tamponade from Other Diseases
The initial diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be challenging, as there are a number of differential diagnoses, including tension pneumothorax, hypovolemia and acute congestive heart failure. The differential diagnosis of cardiac tamponade differs based on the type of cardiac tamponade (either acute or subacute).
Epidemiology and Demographics
The cardiac tamponade is most often attributed to the rupture of an acute myocardial infarction or an intrapericardial rupture of a dissecting ascending aortic aneurysm. In developed countries malignancy is the leading cause of cardiac tamponade secondary to pericardial effusion. The incidence of cardiac tamponade based on a giant sample size of about 216 million emergency admissions was about 115,638(0.05%). The incidence of cardiac tamponade increases with age; the mean age was around 61.9. Cardiac temponade mortality rate is significantly different due to its underlying cause.
Risk Factors
Most potent risk factors for cardiac tamponade include heart surgeries, cardiac myxomas, myocardial infarction and traumas.
Screening
Cardiac tamponade is more of a clinical diagnosis. If the patient clinical manifestation was raising suspicious toward tamponade, CT scan and echocardiogram are diagnostic gold standards for the disease.
Natural History, Complications, and Prognosis
Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent intervention to remove the pericardial fluid. Complications include pulmonary edema, cardiac failure, cardiogenic shock and ultimately death.
Cardiac tamponade has a good prognosis if detected early and treated immediately. Short-term survival is mostly dependent on early diagnosis and relief of tamponade. Long-term survival depends upon the prognosis of the underlying cause, irrespective of the mode of treatment.
Diagnosis
Diagnostic Study of Choice
Cardiac tamponade is more of a clinical diagnosis, but still some diagnostic studies may be helpful.
History and Symptoms
Patients with cardiac tamponade may present with sudden onset of chest pain, palpitations, breathlessness and lightheadedness. Presentation vary with the cause and acuteness of development of tamponade. An acute cardiac tamponade follows trauma to the chest or rupture of the aorta or heart. A subacute cardiac tamponade occurs in the setting of a neoplasm or renal failure. A low pressure cardiac tamponade occurs in patients who are hypovolemic secondary to hemorrhage or over diuresis.
Physical Examination
Physical examination may vary depending on the type of cardiac tamponade. Physical examination may show the classic Beck's triad (hypotension, muffled heart sound, and elevated jugular venous distension), tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus, and pericardial rub depending on the type, and severity of tamponade. Initial diagnosis can be challenging, as there are a number of differential diagnoses, including tension pneumothorax, and acute heart failure.
Laboratory Findings
Non-specific markers of inflammation are generally elevated in pericarditis. This include the CBC, elevated C-reactive protein, ESR. The cardiac troponin is elevated if there is injury to the underlying myocardium, a condition termed myopericarditis. Diagnostic pericardiocentesis and biopsy help in identifying an underlying infectious or malignant process.
Electrocardiogram
The electrocardiogram in cardiac tamponade usually demonstrates sinus tachycardia, and may sometimes show reduced QRS voltage and electrical alternans.
X-ray
Cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis, however chest X ray can be helpful sometimes. It will demonstrate pneumopericardium and cardiac silhouette changes.
Echocardiography and Ultrasound
The role of echocardiography in the evaluation of the patient with pericarditis is to characterize the presence, size, location and hemodynamic impact of a pericardial effusion. Tamponade is characterized by pericardial effusion, diastolic compression of the RV, diastolic compression of the right atrium (RA), plethora of the inferior vena cava and paradoxical septal motion.
CT scan
A CT scan is not commonly used for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively diagnosed based on clinical features and echocardiography. Findings on CT include [Superior vena cava]] andInferior vena cava enlargement, Hepatic and renal vein enlargment, periportal edema, reflux of contrast material, collapse of the right atrium, Pericardial thickening.
MRI
Cardiovascular MRI is not commonly used for the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade as it is effectively diagnosed based on clinical features and echocardiography. Findings include Pericardial effusion, distension of the vena cavae and hepatic vein, collapse of the right sided cardiac chambers, interventricular septum shifts towards the left, paradoxical septal motion.
Other Imaging Findings
There are no other imaging findings associated with cardiac tamponade.
Other Diagnostic Studies
There are no other diagnostic studies associated with cardiac tampnoade.
Treatment
Medical Therapy
If the patient is symptomatic, and if there are signs of cardiac tamponade, urgent pericardiocentesis should be performed. Additional supportive therapy includes the administration of oxygen, fluid repletion, echocardiographic monitoring, treatment of underlying pathology, reversal of anticoagulation and monitoring.
Surgery
Percutaneous pericardiocentesis is a procedure where fluid is aspirated from the pericardium (the sac enveloping the heart) using a needle via a percutaneous approach. Pericardiocentesis can provide a diagnostic sampling of pericardial fluid and can be used as a therapeutic maneuver to evacuate pericardial fluid and lower the pericardial pressure.
Primary Prevention
There are no established measures for the primary prevention of cardiac tamponade.
Secondary Prevention
There are no established measures for the secondary prevention of cardiac tamponade.