Cardiac tamponade is a medical or traumatic emergency that results when fluid accumulates in the pericardial sack to compress the heart, causing a decrease in cardiac output and shock. Cardiac tamponade is generally diagnosed clinically and requires prompt recognition prevent cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. The current article emphasizes on the complications associated with the cardiac tamponade.
The prevalence of pericardial effusions in general population is generally unknown. However, higher incidences of pericardial effusions are observed in patients with HIV, End Stage Renal Disease, known or occult malignancies, history of congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, autoimmune diseases like lupus, penetrating traumatic injury to the central chest, etc. The treatment of cardiac tamponade involves the removal of pericardial fluid to relieve the pressure surrounding the…
