cardiac tamponade
Life-threatening condition where fluid accumulation in the pericardium compresses the heart and impairs filling.
Full Definition
A hemodynamically significant accumulation of fluid, blood, or air in the pericardial space that restricts cardiac filling and reduces stroke volume. The condition develops when pericardial pressure equals or exceeds cardiac filling pressures, leading to equalization of diastolic pressures in all cardiac chambers. Clinical manifestations include elevated jugular venous pressure, muffled heart sounds, and pulsus paradoxus. Pathological findings depend on the underlying cause, which may include trauma, malignancy, infection, or iatrogenic injury.
Usage
Usage note: Use consistently with 'cardiac' prefix; avoid simply 'tamponade' in medical contexts.
In Context
- "Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed for acute cardiac tamponade." — Emergency procedure note
- "Autopsy revealed hemopericardium with evidence of cardiac tamponade as the cause of death." — Forensic pathology report