Why the study?
How does orthostasis affect venous pressure in normal subjects compared to patients with massive pericardial effusion?
Population
8 normal subjects and 2 patients with massive pericardial effusion (n=10)
Comparison
Assumption of erect posture (orthostasis) vs Supine position
Authors
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May aid bedside differentiation of massive pericardial effusion; leaves open diagnostic utility pending prospective validation.
How does orthostasis affect venous pressure in normal subjects compared to patients with massive pericardial effusion?
Orthostasis induces a venous pressure gradient across the thoracic inlet in normal subjects due to internal jugular vein collapse, which is prevented by elevated venous pressure in massive pericardial effusion.
P Avasthey (1972) studied this question.