It is a medical emergency characterized by a pericardial collection large enough to render intrapericardial
pressure greater than intracardiac diastolic pressure. This not only prevents adequate filling of the heart (and thus ventricular ejection), but also creates a situation wherein the cardiac chambers start competing for the limited intrapericardial space. This leads to major respiratory swings in ventricular septa, ventricular
filling, and systolic blood pressures.
pressure greater than intracardiac diastolic pressure. This not only prevents adequate filling of the heart (and thus ventricular ejection), but also creates a situation wherein the cardiac chambers start competing for the limited intrapericardial space. This leads to major respiratory swings in ventricular septa, ventricular
filling, and systolic blood pressures.