Invited Commentary

Commentary on "Protective Effect of Pulmonary Hypertension Against Right-Sided Tamponade in Pericardial Effusion"

Authors: Michael A. Ferguson, MD

Abstract

Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring urgent detection to provide effective treatment. The diagnosis of cardiac tamponade is based upon clinical and echocardiographic findings, which often can be subtle. Classic physical examination findings include the Beck triad (hypotension, distended neck veins, and muffled heart sounds) and tachycardia and pulsus paradoxicus >10 mm Hg. Echocardiographic findings include right atrial systolic collapse, right ventricular diastolic collapse, paradoxical septal motion, respiratory reduction in mitral inflows, and inferior vena cava dilation. The rapid recognition of these findings is critical in establishing the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade and providing emergency therapy.

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