title: Spontaneous drainage of cardiac tamponade.
abstract: The case of a 23-year-old man with life-threatening pericardial tamponade resulting from a cardiac stab wound is presented. After initial attempts at stabilization failed to reverse the progressively worsening status of the patient, he was prepared for surgery. Just prior to induction of anesthesia, blood began to flow from the patient's chest tube, resulting in a return to a near normal hemodynamic status. This was believed to be the result of spontaneous drainage of cardiac tamponade prior to cardiorrhaphy. The patient was discharged ten days post admission in excellent health and was doing well at a one-month follow-up visit. The discussion includes what comprises definitive care for cardiac tamponade, and the controversy in the timing and appropriateness of pericardiocentesis.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D004322:Drainage; D006335:Heart Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications*