cardiac tamponade
Pronunciation: tam-puh-NAHD
Life-threatening condition where pericardial fluid compresses the heart and impairs filling.
Full Definition
Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency characterized by the accumulation of fluid, blood, or air in the pericardial space that compresses the heart and severely impairs ventricular filling and cardiac output. In the post-operative cardiac surgery setting, tamponade often results from bleeding into the pericardium and requires immediate recognition and treatment. Clinical signs include elevated and equalized filling pressures, pulsus paradoxus, and hemodynamic instability. Treatment typically requires emergency pericardiocentesis or surgical drainage.
Usage
Usage note: Always indicates a medical emergency. Distinguish from simple pericardial effusion.
In Context
- "The patient developed cardiac tamponade requiring emergency return to the operating room." — Post-operative note
- "Echocardiogram confirmed cardiac tamponade with diastolic collapse of the right ventricle." — Emergency department note