Study note
MedicineCardiology

Clinical features of cardiac tamponade

THE CONTEXT
Cardiac tamponade can present with respiratory symptoms, circulatory compromise and characteristic findings on cardiovascular examination.

Symptoms and circulatory findings

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Features include dyspnoea, collapse, tachycardia and hypotension.
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Jugular venous pressure is grossly elevated.
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Heart sounds are soft, with an early third heart sound.

Pulse and venous signs

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Pulsus paradoxus is a large fall in blood pressure during inspiration; the pulse may become impalpable during inspiration.
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Kussmaul sign is rare.
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