Pericardial Effusion

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Pericardial Effusion

• collection of fluid within pericardium can compromise ventricular filling

Clinical Features

• apex beat obscured

• heart sounds soft and distant

• features of Cardiac Tamponade

  • raised JVP

    • sharp diastolic collapse

    • y descent (Frierich's sign)

  • paradoxical pulse

  • increased neck vein distension during inspiration

  • reduced cardiac output

Investigation

• ECG

  • low voltages
• CXR
  • large globular heart, irregular outlines
  • pulmoanry veins not distended
• Echocardiography

Treatment

• if Cardiac Tamponade then pericardiocentesi

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