Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Series

Chiu-Yang Lee

Department of Surgery, Division of Cardiovascular Surgery, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan
Department of Senior Citizen Service Management, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Taiwan

^*Correspondance to: Chiu-Yang Lee 

 PDF  Full Text DOI: 10.25107/2474-1647.2051

Abstract

Cardiac tamponade is a condition in which the heart is compressed by excess fluid in the pericardial space, which can result in diastolic filling impairment, subsequent cardiac dysfunction, and even cardiac collapse. Cardiac tamponade is an uncommon sequela of chest contusions from blunt chest trauma that brings with it a severe risk of sudden death. We present a small series of cases with successful treatment for cardiac injuries: a young man who was struck by a bull cart and an old man with chronic kidney disease receiving stent graft placement for superior vena cava syndrome. This report highlights the need to remain alert for cases of tamponade, and measures such as emergent pericardiocentesis should first be administered to maintain the hemodynamics of vital organs such as the heart.

Keywords

Chest contusion; Cardiac tamponade; Hemodynamics

Cite the article

Lee C-Y. Cardiac Tamponade: A Case Series. Clin Surg. 2018; 3: 2051.