The Intern At Work: Internal Medicine 22. A Tight Squeeze- Pericarditis, Pericardial Effusion and Cardiac Tamponade
Mar 10, 2019
Learn about pericarditis, pericardial effusions, and cardiac tamponade in this episode. Understand their causes, symptoms, treatment options, and complications. Dive into case studies for a better grasp on managing pericardial disorders.
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Understanding Cardiac Tamponade
- Cardiac tamponade occurs when pericardial fluid compresses the heart, restricting its ability to fill with blood.
- This compression prevents effective blood pumping, leading to severe cardiac compromise.
Pericardium and Effusion Dynamics
- The pericardium produces a small amount of fluid to reduce friction and can become inflamed, leading to pericarditis.
- Pericardial effusions develop when excess fluid accumulates and can progress to tamponade depending on accumulation speed.
Approach to Pericarditis Evaluation
- Evaluate chest pain with detailed history, noting pleuritic nature and positional changes.
- Examine vitals closely, listen for friction rub, and assess for signs of cardiac tamponade like Beck's triad.