Pediatricsbasic
What defines cardiac tamponade?
Answer
Pericardial fluid pressure becomes sufficient to alter cardiac filling
Explanation
Cardiac tamponade occurs when fluid in the intrapericardial space raises the surrounding pressure enough to alter cardiac filling. Thus, the key issue is **haemodynamic effect**, not simply whether fluid is present or whether a particular volume has accumulated. A small effusion without compromise is not necessarily tamponade, while a rapidly accumulating effusion may become dangerous before reaching a very large volume. **Key takeaway:** Tamponade is a pressure-related impairment of cardiac filling, not merely the presence of an effusion. **Glossary:** **Intrapericardial**: within the pericardial sac. **Haemodynamic**: relating to blood flow and cardiovascular function.
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