Systolic time intervals in cardiac tamponade.
Systolic time intervals (STI) have been measured in three patients with cardiac tamponade. The left ventricular ejection time (LVET), the preejection period (PEP) and the ratio PEP/LVET deviated significantly from the normal values. All three parameters improved immediately after pericardiocentesis and aspiration. The total electromechanical systole changed to only a minor degree. Measurement of STI may be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and treatment of cardiac tamponade.
D001794:Blood Pressure; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006339:Heart Rate; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010701:Phonocardiography; D013997:Time Factors