Pericardial effusion and tamponade

Background

• Always consider in pt w/ PEA
• Always consider in pt w/ myocardial stab wound (80% result in tamponade)
  • GSW is less likely to result in tamponade b/c pericardial defect is larger
• Pathophysiology
  • Increased pericardial pressure > decreased RV filling > decreased CO

Etiology

1. Hemopericardium
   1. Trauma
   2. Iatrogenic (misplaced central line)
   3. Bleeding diathesis
   4. Ventricular rupture (post-MI)
2. Non-hemopericardium
   1. Cancer
   2. Pericarditis
   3. HIV complications (infection, Kaposi sarcoma, lymphoma)
   4. Renal failure
   5. SLE
   6. Post-radiation
   7. Myxedema

DDx

1. Tension PTX
2. PE
3. Aortic dissection
4. SVC syndrome
5. Large pleural effusion/hemothorax
6. Constrictive pericarditis
7. Cardiogenic shock

Clinical Features

• CP, SOB, fatigue
• CHF-type appearance
• Narrow pulse pressure
• Friction rub
• Beck's Triad (33% of pts)
  • Hypotension, muffled heart sounds, JVD

Diagnosis

1. Ultrasound
   1. RV collapse, effusion
   2. 5% false negative (usually b/c pericardium is decompressing into L chest)
      1. Be suspicious if pt has a left-sided pulmonary effussion
2. ECG
   1. Tachycardia (bradycardia is ominous finding)
   2. Normal or low voltage
   3. Electrical alternans
3. CXR
   1. Enlarged cardiac silhouette
4. Pulsus paradoxus
   1. >10mmHg change in sys BP on inspiration

Treatment

1. Hemorrhagic Tamponade
   1. Pericardiocentesis
      1. Temporizing measure until thoracotomy can be performed
   2. IVF to increase RV volume
   3. Meds
      1. Pressors (temporizing)
      2. Avoid preload reducing meds (nitrates, diuretics)
2. Non-hemorrhagic Tamponade
   1. Pericardiocentesis
   2. Dialysis for pt w/ known renal failure

Disposition

1. Admit with cardiology/CT surgery consult

See Also

• Pericardiocentesis
• Thoracic Trauma
• Pericarditis

Source

Tintinalli