Journal of emergencies, trauma, and shock
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J Emerg Trauma Shock · Jan 2012
The role of bedside ultrasound in the diagnosis of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.
This review article discusses two clinical cases of patients presenting to the emergency department with pericardial effusions. The role of bedside ultrasound in the detection of pericardial effusions is investigated, with special attention to the specific ultrasound features of cardiac tamponade. ⋯ Clinicians will also learn to differentiate between simple pericardial effusions in contrast to more complicated effusions causing cardiac tamponade. Indications for emergency pericardiocentesis are covered, so that clinicians can rapidly determine which group of patients will benefit from an emergency procedure to drain the effusion.