Pericardial Effusion with Tamponade: Bedside Ultrasonography Saves Another Life

Authors

Javier E. Rosario, University of Central FloridaFollow
Jessica Houck, HCA HealthcareFollow
Rohan MangalFollow
Mary Cate Slome, HCA HealthcareFollow
Latha Ganti, HCA HealthcareFollow

Division

North Florida

Hospital

Osceola Regional Medical Center

Document Type

Case Report

Publication Date

1-28-2020

Keywords

pericardial tamponade, bedside ultrasonography, acute dyspnea, heart diseases

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Diagnosis | Emergency Medicine

Abstract

In these video clinical images, the authors present the cause for an elderly gentleman’s shortness of breath. It was presumed to be an exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, a condition for which he was in the process of being evaluated. However, bedside ultrasonography revealed a large pericardial effusion with tamponade. This timely diagnosis resulted in the patient being taken expeditiously to the operating room and saving his life.

Publisher or Conference

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

Recommended Citation

Rosario, J., Mangal, R., Houck, J. et al. Pericardial effusion with tamponade: bedside ultrasonography saves another life. Int J Emerg Med 13, 3 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12245-019-0257-4