Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
myocardial edema
Accumulation of fluid within the cardiac muscle tissue, often occurring during cardiopulmonary bypass or reperfusion.
Full Definition
Swelling of the heart muscle due to fluid accumulation in the interstitial and intracellular spaces. This condition commonly develops during cardiac surgery due to ischemia-reperfusion injury, inflammatory response to bypass, or inadequate myocardial protection. Myocardial edema can impair cardiac contractility, delay weaning from bypass, and contribute to postoperative low cardiac output syndrome. Management focuses on optimizing cardioplegia delivery and minimizing bypass time.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from pericardial effusion, which is fluid around rather than within the heart muscle.
In Context
- "Significant myocardial edema was noted after prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass, requiring inotropic support." — Postoperative note
- "The cardioplegia protocol was modified to reduce myocardial edema formation during the complex repair." — Perfusion record
Also known as
cardiac edema
heart muscle swelling
Don't confuse with
pericardial effusion
myocardial stunning