Cardiac Tamponade – pericardial effusion, causes, pathophysiology, investigations and treatment

Cardiac tamponade is a life threatening condition characterized by the accumulation of pericardial fluid in the pericardial space. The pericardium is membraenous layer which envelopes the heart. The fluid in the pericardium can accumulate and there are many causes. When this happens it is called a pericardial effusion. A pericardial effusion may progress to cardiac tamponade which is where a pericardial effusion becomes symptomatic.

The most important clinical manifestation of Cardiac tamponade is the triad of distended JVP, low bp and muffled heart sounds. This is known Beck’s triad. Cardiac tamponade is a life threatening emergency. Management is drainage of the effusion – pericardiocentesis.