The Role of Echocardiography in Patients With Cardiac Tamponade Pre and Post Pericardiocentesis

Abstract

With advances in technology and applications, the utility of echocardiography is progressively increasing. Developed to assess acute and chronic cardiac pathology, echocardiography is a steadfast component in a physician’s imaging arsenal to detect cardiovascular disease more effectively and efficiently. Specifically, assessment of the pericardial cavity is conducted with echocardiography in routine and emergent scenarios, due to its rapid availability. Cardiac tamponade, which is the large accumulation of pericardial fluid, is life-threatening if not discovered immediately. Sonographers are paramount in assessing cardiac tamponade because they are at the forefront of a patient’s initial encounter. Cardiac tamponade can be an intimidating finding to even the most experienced sonographer. Therefore, familiarity with this pathology, what to expect, and how to assess is vital in ensuring all the information is acquired for interpreting cardiologists. This case study highlights cardiac tamponade and the sonographers’ role during initial discovery and surveillance, as demonstrated in this patient case.