What would you see on an ECG with cardiac tamponade?

What would you see on an ECG with cardiac tamponade?

An electrocardiogram (ECG) revealed classical triad of findings for pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade i.e. sinus tachycardia, low QRS voltages and electrical alternans (beat to beat variation in both the amplitude and the axis of the QRS complex) (Figure 1A).

What is the hallmark on ECG for pericardial tamponade?

Electrical alternans – i.e the beat-to-beat variation i electrical amplitude – is the ECG hallmark of cardiac tamponade.

Can ECG detect cardiac tamponade?

Conclusions: Low voltage and PR segment depression are ECG signs that are suggestive, but not diagnostic, of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Because these ECG findings cannot reliably identify these conditions, we conclude that 12-lead ECG is poorly diagnostic of pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade.

Can ECG detect pericardial effusion?

No ECG variable was sensitive for the detection of pericardial effusion. Conclusions: In both repeated-measures and case-control comparisons, ECG findings are two few, subtle, insensitive, and nonspecific to be useful as indicators of the presence of pericardial effusion.

How is cardiac tamponade diagnosed?

The diagnosis of cardiac tamponade can be suspected on history and physical exam findings. ECG may be helpful, especially if it shows low voltages or electrical alternans, which is the classic ECG finding in cardiac tamponade due to the swinging of the heart within the pericardium that is filled with fluid.

What are the EKG findings of cardiac tamponade?

Cardiac tamponade. The diagnosis may be further supported by specific electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, chest X-ray, or an ultrasound of the heart . If fluid increases slowly the pericardial sac can expand to contain more than 2 liters; however, if the increase is rapid as little as 200 mL can result in tamponade.

What is the definitive therapy for cardiac tamponade?

Removal of pericardial fluid is the definitive therapy for tamponade and can be done using the following three methods: Emergency subxiphoid percutaneous drainage Pericardiocentesis (with or without echocardiographic guidance)

What are the clinical signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade?

Chest pain

What is the Kussmaul sign in cardiac tamponade?

Kussmaul sign. This was described by Adolph Kussmaul as a paradoxical increase in jugular venous distention and pressure during inspiration. The Kussmaul sign is usually observed in patients with constrictive pericarditis , but it is occasionally is observed in patients with effusive-constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.