Role of Echocardiography in the Treatment of Cardiac Tamponade

Accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac results in elevation of intrapericardial pressure with consequent cardiac compression or tamponade. Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition which requires urgent evacuation of pericardial effusion (PE). Current pericardial evacuation techniques and approaches are varied. Echocardiography provides valuable insights into identifying patients who are suitable candidates and further facilitates pericardiocentesis by improving guidance techniques. Several previous publications have provided excellent reviews of the pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade. We review the clinical presentation and role of echocardiography for diagnosis of tamponade. We focus on medical and surgical approaches for the removal of PE. Moreover, as the clinical and hemodynamic consequences of PE depend on the volume and the rate of accumulation of PE, we review the various scenarios of "small" PE resulting in cardiac tamponade.