Echocardiography Pericardial diseases: effusion and tamponade A long series of conditions can affect the pericardium (pericardium). The most common of these are acute pericarditis (perimyocarditis…

ECG Genetic and miscellaneous conditions Eletrical alternans: an ECG sign of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade The pericardial space (cavity) always contains a small amount…

…40 ms Left atrial enlargement Low voltage QRS < 5 mm in the limb leads or < 10 mm in the chest leads Pericardial effusion…

…50 mL syringe for a knee with a large effusion, 5–10 mL for smaller joints. Local anaesthesia of the skin and subcutis where needed…

…Indications Cardiac tamponade — the only absolute indication, and always urgent. A large pericardial effusion with symptoms despite medical treatment. Diagnostic drainage in suspected purulent pericarditis…

…A very small or loculated effusion — consider image guided puncture in the radiology department The thresholds for the INR and the platelet count vary between…

…IMH may cause: Aortic regurgitation Haemopericardium or pericardial effusion Aortic rupture Proximal aortic complications Malperfusion and pulse deficits are less common in type A IMH…

…a slowly enlarging effusion may reach a much larger size before producing haemodynamic compromise. As intrapericardial pressure rises, the right atrium and right ventricle are…

…particularly when the effusion develops in the early post infarction period. Clinical presentation and symptoms The characteristic clinical syndrome consists of: Malaise Fever Pericardial or…

…acute myocardial infarction. Clinical examination may reveal pericardial friction rub and the echocardiogram may show increased fluid in the pericardial cavity ( pericardial effusion ). Hemodynamic compromise…

…It is uncommon for chronic pericardial effusions to cause sudden cardiac arrest since these cases tend to be recognized and managed before circulatory collapse occurs…