Cardiac Tamponade

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are common signs and symptoms of pericardial effusion?

• Palpitations, cough, hoarseness, syncope

• Hypertension, bradycardia, rash, fever

• Polyuria, weight loss, blurred vision, tremor

• Jaundice, pruritus, hematuria, edema

Open Ended

What is circumferential versus loculated pericardial effusion?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following are causes of rapid accumulation of pericardial effusion?

• Acute MI, AAO dissection, blunt trauma, cardiac perforation

• Autoimmune disorders, kidney failure, post MI

• Hypothyroidism, neoplasia, TB

• Idiopathic, viral infection, acute pericarditis

Multiple Choice

What is most likely the diagnosis if there is a pericardial effusion post MI?

• Myocardial rupture
• Post-MI pericarditis
• Aortic dissection
• Cardiac tamponade

Open Ended

Why do pericardial effusions frequently originate near the RA?

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT part of Beck's Triad for cardiac tamponade?

• Hypotension

• Muffled heart sounds

• Elevated venous pressure

• Bradycardia

Open Ended

What position usually helps the patient feel better in cardiac tamponade?

Multiple Choice

Which echocardiographic findings are most indicative of cardiac tamponade?

• Pericardial effusion, RV diastolic collapse, and dilated hepatic veins

• Increased LV dimensions, normal RV motion, and thickened mitral valve

• Decreased RV dimensions, increased LV diastolic dimension, and normal septal motion

• Normal hepatic veins, no pericardial effusion, and paradoxical septal motion