title: Cardiac tamponade. Pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management.
abstract: Cardiac tamponade is a clinical syndrome that results from an increased intrapericardial pressure and leads to impaired cardiocirculatory function. The spectrum of cardiac tamponade is relatively wide, ranging from an asymptomatic elevation of intrapericardial pressure recognized during objective evaluation, to extreme hemodynamic compromise in the form of severe hypotension or electromechanical dissociation, and many variations between these extremes. This article discusses the causes, pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, and management of cardiac tamponade.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ameli
authors.forename: P K
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Shah
mesh_terms: D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy; D004562:Electrocardiography; D006439:Hemodynamics / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D010491:Pericardial Window Techniques; D011677:Punctures; D012008:Recurrence