It is a triad described by the American surgeon Claude Beck (who also pioneered open cardiac massage in
patients “too good to die”) and considered, until recently, typical of tamponade:
Hypotension
Distended neck veins
Small, quiet heart
These findings are still seen in tamponade, but only in very advanced cases. Conversely, the tetrad just
outlined (coupled with the presence of a pulsus) is probably a much better tool for early diagnosis.
patients “too good to die”) and considered, until recently, typical of tamponade:
Hypotension
Distended neck veins
Small, quiet heart
These findings are still seen in tamponade, but only in very advanced cases. Conversely, the tetrad just
outlined (coupled with the presence of a pulsus) is probably a much better tool for early diagnosis.