Cardiac tamponade occurs when cardiac filling is severely limited by the presence of a large amount of pericardial fluid.
Clinical Features
The affected patient presents with;
- Severe dyspnoea
- Cold extremities with decreased capillary refill
- Raised jugular venous pressure (JVP)
- Tachycardia
- Pulsus paradoxus
- Inaudible heart sounds.
Investigations
- Full blood count
- Urinalysis
- Blood culture
- Electrocardiogram
- Echocardiography
Management
- Admit urgently and do pericardiocentesis.
- May need to have a temporary drainage catheter.
- Treat any underlying condition.
- Needs ICU care.