Compression of the heart by fluid within the pericardium, which may cause breathlessness and collapse.
Causes include pericarditis, complications after heart surgery, or a chest injury.
A diagnosis is made by echocardiography, and the fluid is removed through a needle.
A potentially life-threatening compression of the HEART by the accumulation of ?uid in the pericardial sac (see PERICARDIUM) – for example, blood after a penetrating knife wound. This is characterised by TACHYCARDIA, PULSUS PARADOXUS, low blood pressure, raised pressure in the jugular vein, and abnormally quiet heart sounds.
Treatment consists of draining the ?uid (which may be blood or an e?usion) and treating the underlying cause.
An increase of fluid around the heart.
n. 1. the insertion of a tampon. 2. abnormal pressure on a part of the body; for example, as caused by the presence of excessive fluid between the pericardium (sac surrounding the heart) and the heart (see cardiac tamponade). 3. the use of air, gas, or a heavy liquid injected into the vitreous humour to exert pressure on the retina, which keeps it apposed to the choroid during surgery to repair a detached retina. See pneumoretinopexy.
Health Encyclopedia