Definition

It is a state of compression of the heart in rapidly developing pericardial effusion. It interferes with the diastolic filling of the heart and the patient develops features of shock.

Causes

• Trauma or cardiac surgery (causing haemopericardium).
• Malignancy (repeated effusion may occur).
• Myocardial rupture.
• Dissecting aortic aneurysm.
• Any cause of pericardial effusion can cause.

Clinical Features

Symptoms

• Heaviness and compression in the chest.
• Dyspnoea.
• Features of shock.

Signs

See above in pericardial effusion.
Treatment
• Immediate pericardiocentesis.
• Treatment of primary cause.
Pericardiocentesis