Clinical Disorders: Difference between revisions

In case of tamponade, fluid collects in the pericardium. As the pericardium is stiff, the heart is compressed, resulting in filling difficulties. This is a potentially life-threatening situation and should be treated with pericardiocentesis, which is drainage of the fluid. Tamponade can be the result of pericarditis or myocarditis. Also, after a myocardial infarction a tamponade may develop; this is called Dresslers' Syndrome. In case of cancer,increased pericardial fluid may develop. This is usually caused by pericarditis carcinomatosis, meaning that the cancer has spread to the pericardium