Cardiac Tamponade

Background

• usu from penetrating trauma

Diagnosis

• do not rely on becks triad
• echo is study of choice
  • but 5% false - rate (usually b/c pericardium decompressing into L chest)
  • so be suspicious if L pulm effussion!

Treatment

1. IVF
2. Pericardiocentesis
3. ED Thoracotomy (if loses pulses)

See Also

Thoracic Trauma