Cardiac Tamponade

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Practice Essentials

Cardiac tamponade is a clinical syndrome caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, resulting in reduced ventricular filling and subsequent hemodynamic compromise. The condition is a medical emergency, the complications of which include pulmonary edema, shock, and death.

Signs and symptoms

Symptoms vary with the acuteness and underlying cause of the tamponade. Patients with acute tamponade may present with dyspnea, tachycardia, and tachypnea. Cold and clammy extremities from hypoperfusion are also observed in some patients. Other symptoms and signs may include the following:

See Clinical Presentation for more detail.

Diagnosis

Prompt diagnosis is key to reducing the mortality risk for patients with cardiac tamponade. Although echocardiography provides useful information, cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis. Echocardiography can be used to visualize ventricular and atrial compression abnormalities as blood cycles through the heart. The following may be observed with 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography:

See Workup for more detail.

Management

Removal of pericardial fluid is the definitive therapy for tamponade and can be done using the following three methods:

The role of medication therapy in cardiac tamponade is limited.

See Treatment and Medication for more detail.

Background

Cardiac tamponade is a clinical syndrome caused by the accumulation of fluid in the pericardial space, resulting in reduced ventricular filling and subsequent hemodynamic compromise. The condition is a medical emergency, the complications of which include pulmonary edema, shock, and death. (See Pathophysiology, Etiology, and Prognosis.)

The overall mortality risk depends on the speed of diagnosis, the treatment provided, and the underlying cause of the tamponade. Untreated, the condition is rapidly and universally fatal (see the image below). (See Presentation, Workup, Treatment, and Medication.)



View Image

This anteroposterior-view chest radiograph shows a massive, bottle-shaped heart and conspicuous absence of pulmonary vascular congestion. Reproduced w....

 

Pathophysiology

The pericardium, which is the membrane surrounding the heart, is composed of 2 layers. The thicker parietal pericardium is the outer fibrous layer; the thinner visceral pericardium is the inner serous layer. The pericardial space normally contains 20-50mL of fluid.

Reddy et al describe 3 phases of hemodynamic changes in tamponade, as follows[1] :

Pericardial effusions, which cause cardiac tamponade, can be serous, serosanguineous, hemorrhagic, or chylous.

The underlying process for the development of tamponade is a marked reduction in diastolic filling, which results when transmural distending pressures become insufficient to overcome increased intrapericardial pressures. Tachycardia is the initial cardiac response to these changes to maintain the cardiac output.

Systemic venous return is also altered during tamponade. Because the heart is compressed throughout the cardiac cycle due to the increased intrapericardial pressure, systemic venous return is impaired and right atrial and right ventricular collapse occurs. Because the pulmonary vascular bed is a vast and compliant circuit, blood preferentially accumulates in the venous circulation, at the expense of LV filling. This results in reduced cardiac output and venous return.

The amount of pericardial fluid needed to impair diastolic filling of the heart depends on the rate of fluid accumulation and the compliance of the pericardium. Rapid accumulation of as little as 150mL of fluid can result in a marked increase in pericardial pressure and can severely impede cardiac output,[2] whereas 1000 mL of fluid may accumulate over a longer period without any significant effect on diastolic filling of the heart. This is due to adaptive stretching of the pericardium over time. A compliant pericardium can allow considerable fluid accumulation over a long time period without hemodynamic compromise.

Etiology

For all patients, malignant diseases are the most common cause of pericardial tamponade. Among etiologies for tamponade, Merce et al reported the following incidence rates:

Tamponade can occur as a result of any process that causes pericarditis. Pericarditis can result from the following[3] :

In patients undergoing heart valve surgery, cardiac tamponade has been associated with any amount of pericardial effusion at the first postoperative transthoracic echocardiography as well as with mechanical valve replacement of the aortic or mitral valve.[9]

Epidemiology

Occurrence in the United States

The incidence of cardiac tamponade is 2 cases per 10,000 population in the United States. Approximately 2% of penetrating injuries are reported to result in cardiac tamponade.

Sex- and age-related demographics

In children, cardiac tamponade is more common in boys than in girls, with a male-to-female ratio of 7:3. In adults, cardiac tamponade appears to be slightly more common in men than in women. A male-to-female ratio of 1.25:1 was observed at the author's referral center, based on the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code 423.9. However, a male-to-female ratio of 1.7:1 was observed at another level 1 trauma center.

Cardiac tamponade related to trauma or HIV is more common in young adults, whereas tamponade due to malignancy and/or renal failure occurs more frequently in elderly individuals.

Prognosis

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency. The prognosis depends on prompt recognition and management of the condition and the underlying cause of the tamponade. Untreated, cardiac tamponade is rapidly and universally fatal.

Haneya et al retrospectively (2005-2011) evaluated the impact of timing and indication of reexploration for bleeding or tamponade following cardiac surgery in 209 patients and found that reexploration was associated with higher rates of mortality and morbidity.[10] Multivariate analysis indicated it was the adverse effects of reexploration (eg, blood loss, transfusion requirements) rather than the procedure itself that were independent risk factors for death. Adverse outcomes were more likely in those whose reexploration was delayed and who suffered from cardiac tamponade.[10]

In a separate study, Le et al indicated that following cardiac surgery, there is no advantage for the use of multiple mediastinal chest tubes over a single chest tube in preventing return to the operating room for bleeding or tamponade.[11]

In addition to treatment for the tamponade, all patients should also receive treatment for the condition’s underlying cause in order to prevent recurrence.

In a study of patients with cardiac tamponade, Cornily et al reported a 1-year mortality rate of 76.5% in patients whose tamponade was caused by malignant disease, compared with 13.3% in patients with no malignant disease. The investigators also noted a median survival of 150 days in patients with malignant disease.[12]

History

Symptoms vary with the acuteness and underlying cause of the tamponade. Patients with acute tamponade may present with dyspnea, tachycardia, tachypnea, decreased urine output, and/or confusion. Cold and clammy extremities from hypoperfusion are also observed in some patients.

A comprehensive review of the patient's history usually helps in identifying the probable etiology of a pericardial effusion. The following may be noted:

Physical Examination

In a retrospective study of patients with cardiac tamponade, the most common symptoms and signs noted by Roy et al were dyspnea, tachycardia, and elevated jugular venous pressure.[14] Evidence of chest wall injury may be present in trauma patients.

Tachycardia, tachypnea, and hepatomegaly are observed in more than 50% of patients with cardiac tamponade, and diminished heart sounds and a pericardial friction rub are present in approximately one third of patients. Some patients may present with dizziness, drowsiness, or palpitations. Cold, clammy skin and a weak pulse due to hypotension are also observed in patients with tamponade.

Beck triad

Described in 1935, this complex of physical findings, also called the acute compression triad, refers to increased jugular venous pressure, hypotension, and diminished heart sounds. These findings result from a rapid accumulation of pericardial fluid. This classic triad is usually observed in patients with acute cardiac tamponade.

Pulsus paradoxus

Pulsus paradoxus (or paradoxical pulse) is an exaggeration (>12 mm Hg or 9%) of the normal inspiratory decrease in systemic blood pressure.

To measure the pulsus paradoxus, patients are often placed in a semirecumbent position; respirations should be normal. The blood pressure cuff is inflated to at least 20 mm Hg above the systolic pressure and slowly deflated until the first Korotkoff sounds are heard only during expiration.

At this pressure reading, if the cuff is not further deflated and a pulsus paradoxus is present, the first Korotkoff sound is not audible during inspiration. As the cuff is further deflated, the point at which the first Korotkoff sound is audible during both inspiration and expiration is recorded.

If the difference between the first and second measurement is greater than 12 mm Hg, an abnormal pulsus paradoxus is present.

The paradox is that while listening to the heart sounds during inspiration, the pulse weakens or may not be palpated with certain heartbeats, while S1 is heard with all heartbeats.

A pulsus paradoxus can be observed in patients with other conditions, such as constrictive pericarditis, asthma, severe obstructive pulmonary disease, restrictive cardiomyopathy, pulmonary embolism, rapid and labored breathing, and right ventricular infarction with shock.

A pulsus paradoxus may be absent in patients with markedly elevated LV diastolic pressures, atrial septal defect, pulmonary hypertension, aortic regurgitation, low-pressure tamponade, or right heart tamponade.

Kussmaul sign

This was described by Adolph Kussmaul as a paradoxical increase in jugular venous distention and pressure during inspiration. The Kussmaul sign is usually observed in patients with constrictive pericarditis, but it is occasionally is observed in patients with effusive-constrictive pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.

Ewart sign

Also known as the Pins sign, this is observed in patients with large pericardial effusions. It is described as an area of dullness, with bronchial breath sounds and bronchophony below the angle of the left scapula.

The y descent

The y descent is abolished in the jugular venous or right atrial waveform. This is due to an increase in intrapericardial pressure, preventing diastolic filling of the ventricles.

Dysphoria

Behavioral traits such as restless body movements, unusual facial expressions, restlessness, and a sense of impending death were reported by Ikematsu in about 26% patients with cardiac tamponade.[15]

Low-pressure tamponade

In severely hypovolemic patients, classical physical findings such as tachycardia, pulsus paradoxus, and jugular venous distention were infrequent. Sagristà-Sauleda et al identified low-pressure tamponade in 20% of patients with cardiac tamponade.[16] They also reported low-pressure tamponade in 10% of large pericardial effusions.

Approach Considerations

As previously stated, prompt diagnosis is key to reducing the mortality risk for patients with cardiac tamponade. Although cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis, further assessment of the patient’s condition and diagnosis of the underlying cause of the tamponade can be obtained through lab studies, imaging studies, electrocardiography, and echocardiography.

Echocardiography, for example, can be used to visualize ventricular and atrial compression abnormalities as blood cycles through the heart, while lab studies can demonstrate signs of myocardial infarction, cardiac trauma, and infectious disease.

In July 2014, the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases released a stepwise scoring system for treating patients with cardiac tamponade. The system is used to identify patients who need immediate pericardiocentesis and patients who can safely be transferred to a specialized institution.[17, 18]

According to the guidelines, patients with suspected cardiac tamponade should undergo echocardiography without delay. After diagnosis, patients are scored according to disease etiology, clinical presentation, and imaging findings. A score of 6 or more requires the patient to undergo immediate pericardial drainage. A lower score indicates that drainage can be postponed for up to 12 to 48 hours.[17, 18]

Imaging Studies

Chest radiography

Chest radiography findings may show cardiomegaly, a water bottle–shaped heart, pericardial calcifications, or evidence of chest wall trauma. (See the image below.)



View Image

This anteroposterior-view chest radiograph shows a massive, bottle-shaped heart and conspicuous absence of pulmonary vascular congestion. Reproduced w....

A bowed catheter sign on chest radiography in children after central venous catheter insertion may be suggestive of tamponade.[19]

CT scanning

Gold et al reported compression of the coronary sinus as observed through CT scanning as an earlier marker for cardiac tamponade in 46% of patients.[20]

Echocardiography

Although echocardiography provides useful information, cardiac tamponade is a clinical diagnosis. The following may be observed with 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography:

Conditions that may simulate pericardial effusion on 2-D echocardiography include the following:

Laboratory Studies

The following studies aid in the assessment of patients with cardiac tamponade:

Electrocardiography

With a 12-lead electrocardiogram (see the image below), the following findings suggest, but are not diagnostic for, pericardial tamponade:

Electrical alternans

Alternation of QRS complexes, usually in a 2:1 ratio, on electrocardiographic findings is called electrical alternans. It is caused by movement of the heart in the pericardial space. Electrical alternans is also observed in patients with myocardial ischemia, acute pulmonary embolism, and tachyarrhythmias.

Pulse Oximetry

Respiratory variability in pulse-oximetry waveform is noted in patients with pulsus paradoxus. In a small group of patients with tamponade, Stone et al noted increased respiratory variability in pulse-oximetry waveform in all patients.[21] This finding should raise the suspicion for hemodynamic compromise. In patients with atrial fibrillation, pulse-oximetry may aid in detecting the presence of pulsus paradoxus.

Swan-Ganz Catheterization

Before or after insertion of the Swan-Ganz catheter, the system must be zeroed after positioning the transducer at the midpoint of the left atrium. Then calibrate the monitoring system. Prior to insertion, test the balloon and flush all of the ports. Then insert the catheter into one of the major veins.

At a depth of 20 cm, inflate the balloon and slowly advance the catheter, while continuously monitoring the pressure from the distal lumen. Always deflate the balloon before withdrawing the Swan-Ganz catheter. The waveforms help to indicate the position of the catheter tip if fluoroscopy is not readily accessible.

At approximately the 40-50 cm mark, the wedge pressure is usually recorded. Secure the catheter position, and obtain a chest radiograph to confirm the position.

In tamponade, near equalization (within 5 mm Hg) of the right atrial, right ventricular diastolic, pulmonary arterial diastolic, and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (reflecting left atrial pressure) occurs. The right atrial pressure tracings display a prominent systolic x descent and abolished systolic y descent.

Boltwood et al described the diastolic equalization of pulmonary capillary and right atrial pressures as predominantly inspiratory; this is known as the inspiratory traction sign.[22] It results from inspiratory traction of the taut pericardium by the diaphragm.

Histologic Findings

Occasionally, a pericardial biopsy is performed when the etiology of the pericardial effusion that caused the tamponade is unclear. This is especially useful in cases of tuberculous pericardial effusions, because cultures of the pericardial fluid in these cases rarely yield a positive result for mycobacteria. However, granulomas seen on pericardial biopsy specimens are often seen in patients with tuberculous pericarditis.

In general, cytopathologic findings from pericardial fluid and histologic findings from pericardial biopsy specimens depend on the underlying pathology. Cytologic examination identifies the etiopathologic cause of tamponade in about 75% of cases; it is particulalry useful for identifying malignancy-associated effusions.[23]

Approach Considerations

Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that requires urgent drainage of the pericardial fluid. Preferably, patients should be monitored in an intensive care unit. All patients should receive the following:

Positive-pressure mechanical ventilation should be avoided because it may decrease venous return and aggravate signs and symptoms of tamponade.

Inpatient care

After pericardiocentesis, leave the intrapericardial catheter in place after securing it to the skin using sterile procedure and attaching it to a closed drainage system via a 3-way stopcock. Periodically check for reaccumulation of fluid, and drain as needed.

The catheter can be left in place for 1-2 days and can be used for pericardiocentesis. Serial fluid cell counts can be useful for helping to discover an impending bacterial catheter infection, which could be catastrophic. If the white blood cell (WBC) count rises significantly, the pericardial catheter must be removed immediately.

A Swan-Ganz catheter can be left in place for continuous monitoring of hemodynamics and to assess the effect of reaccumulation of pericardial fluid. A repeat echocardiogram and a repeat chest radiograph should be performed within 24 hours.

Consultations

Consultations associated with cardiac tamponade can include the following:

Activity

Initially, the patient should be on bed rest with leg elevation to increase the venous return. Once the signs and symptoms of tamponade resolve, activity can be increased as tolerated.

Follow-up

A follow-up echocardiogram and chest radiograph should be performed at a monthly follow-up examination to check for recurrent fluid accumulation.

Pericardiocentesis and Pericardiotomy

Removal of pericardial fluid, with or without echocardiographic guidance, is the definitive therapy for tamponade and can be done using the following 3 methods.

Emergency subxiphoid percutaneous drainage

This is a life-saving bedside procedure. The subxiphoid approach is extrapleural; hence, it is the safest for pericardiocentesis performed without echocardiographic guidance. A 16- or 18-gauge needle is inserted at an angle of 30-45° to the skin, near the left xiphocostal angle, aiming towards the left shoulder. When performed emergently, this procedure is associated with a reported mortality rate of approximately 4% and a complication rate of 17%.

Echocardiographically-guided pericardiocentesis

This is often carried out in the cardiac catheterization laboratory. The procedure is usually performed from the left intercostal space. First, mark the site of entry based on the area of maximal fluid accumulation closest to the transducer. Then, measure the distance from the skin to the pericardial space. The angle of the transducer should be the trajectory of the needle during the procedure. Avoid the inferior rib margin while advancing the needle to prevent neurovascular injury. Leave a 16-gauge catheter in place for continuous drainage.

Percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy

This can be performed using an approach similar to that for echo-guided pericardiocentesis, with the balloon being used to create a pericardial window for drainage of the pericardial fluid.

Surgical Care in Hemodynamically Unstable Patients

For a hemodynamically unstable patient or one with recurrent tamponade, provide care as described below.

Surgical creation of a pericardial window

This involves the surgical opening of a communication between the pericardial space and the intrapleural space. This is usually a subxiphoid approach, with resection of the xiphoid. However, a left paraxiphoid approach with preservation of the xiphoid has been described.[25]

Open thoracotomy and/or pericardiotomy[5] may be required in some cases, and these should be performed by an experienced surgeon.

Recurrent cardiac tamponade or pericardial effusion

Sclerosing the pericardium

This is a therapeutic option for patients with recurrent pericardial effusion or tamponade. Through the intrapericardial catheter, corticosteroids, tetracycline, or antineoplastic drugs (eg, anthracyclines, bleomycin) can be instilled into the pericardial space.

Pericardio-peritoneal shunt

In some patients with malignant recurrent pericardial effusions, the creation of a pericardio-peritoneal shunt helps to prevent recurrent tamponade.

Pericardiectomy

Resection of the pericardium (pericardiectomy) through a median sternotomy or left thoracotomy is rarely required to prevent recurrent pericardial effusion and tamponade.

Video-Assisted Thorascopic Procedure

In a study of 15 patients with cardiac tamponade, Monaco et al found that a modified, video-assisted thoracoscopic procedure seemed to be a feasible treatment for the condition.[26]

Using a right hemithoracic approach, the investigators employed a 15-mm trocar in the fourth right intercostal space of the anterior axillary and a 10-mm trocar in the seventh right intercostal space of the median axillary line.

Utilization of a 5-mm optic allowed two instruments, for the optic and for the endoscopic forceps, to be employed simultaneously using one trocar; this left the second trocar available for dissecting scissors. All patients underwent a pericardial resection equal to that achievable via an anterolateral thoracotomy.

The pericardial effusion was effectively drained in all patients, with no intraoperative mortality or perioperative morbidity encountered.

Medication Summary

The role of medication therapy in cardiac tamponade is limited. 

Dobutamine

Clinical Context:  Dobutamine is a synthetic catecholamine and a direct inotropic agent that stimulates cardiac beta-receptors, with minimal increase in systemic vascular resistance.

Class Summary

By stimulating beta-1 receptors in the heart, these agents increase stroke volume and cardiac output.

What is cardiac tamponade?What are the signs and symptoms of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of echocardiography in the diagnosis of cardiac tamponade?What is the definitive therapy for cardiac tamponade?What is the role of medical therapy in the management of cardiac tamponade?What is cardiac tamponade?Which factors affect the mortality risk of cardiac tamponade?What is the anatomy of the pericardium relevant to cardiac tamponade?What are the phases of hemodynamic changes in cardiac tamponade?How is pericardial effusion characterized in cardiac tamponade?What is the underlying pathogenic process of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of systemic venous return in the pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pericardial fluid in the pathophysiology of cardiac tamponade?What are the causes of cardiac tamponade?What are the possible causes of pericarditis in patients with cardiac tamponade?What are the risk factors for cardiac tamponade in patients undergoing heart valve surgery?What is the incidence of cardiac tamponade in the US?How does the incidence of cardiac tamponade vary by sex?Which patient groups are at increased risk for cardiac tamponade?Which factors affect the prognosis of cardiac tamponade?How does reexploration for bleeding or tamponade following cardiac surgery affect the prognosis?How do multiple mediastinal chest tubes affect the prognosis of cardiac tamponade?What are the mortality rates for cardiac tamponade?What are the symptoms of acute cardiac tamponade?What should be the focus of history to identify the probable etiology of cardiac tamponade?Why is the y descent abolished in cardiac tamponade?What are the most common symptoms and signs of cardiac tamponade?Which findings characterize the Beck triad (acute compression triad) in cardiac tamponade?What is pulsus paradoxus in cardiac tamponade?How is pulsus paradoxus measured in cardiac tamponade?Besides cardiac tamponade, in which other conditions is pulsus paradoxus observed?When is pulsus paradoxus absent in cardiac tamponade?What is the Kussmaul sign in cardiac tamponade?What is the Ewart sign in cardiac tamponade?What are the signs of dysphoria in cardiac tamponade?What is the prevalence of low-pressure tamponade?What are the benefits of early diagnosis of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pleural effusions in the development of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of tension pneumopericardium in the development of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of respiratory failure in the development of cardiac tamponade?What are the differential diagnoses for Cardiac Tamponade?What is the key to reducing the mortality risk of cardiac tamponade?Which testing is performed in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?What is the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Working Group on Myocardial and Pericardial Diseases scoring system for treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of chest radiography in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?Which finding on chest radiography suggests cardiac tamponade in children?Which finding on CT scan suggests cardiac tamponade?What is the role of echocardiography in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?Which conditions that may stimulate pericardial effusion can be identified with 2-D echocardiography?What is the role of lab studies in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?Which 12-lead ECG findings suggest cardiac tamponade?What is the significance of a finding of electrical alternans in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pulse-oximetry in the evaluation of cardiac tamponade?How is Swan-Ganz catheterization performed in the workup of cardiac tamponade?How is the inspiratory traction sign identified in the workup of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pericardial biopsy in the workup of cardiac tamponade?What is included in the medical treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of positive-pressure mechanical ventilation in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is included in the inpatient care of cardiac tamponade?Which specialist consultations are needed for the treatment of cardiac tamponade?Which activity modifications are used in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?How should patients be monitored following treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the definitive therapy for cardiac tamponade?What is the role of emergency subxiphoid percutaneous drainage in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of echocardiographically-guided pericardiocentesis in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of percutaneous balloon pericardiotomy in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is included in surgical care for hemodynamically unstable cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pericardium sclerosing in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of a pericardio-peritoneal shunt in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of pericardiectomy in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of a video-assisted thoracoscopy in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?What is the role of medications in the treatment of cardiac tamponade?Which medications in the drug class Cardiovascular, Other are used in the treatment of Cardiac Tamponade?

Author

Chakri Yarlagadda, MD, FACC, FSCAI, FASNC, CCDS, Director of Cardiac Rehabilitation, St Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital; Radiation Safety Officer, Mercy Health Cardiology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Terrence X O'Brien, MD, MS, FACC, Professor of Medicine/Cardiology, Director, Clinical Cardiovascular Research, Medical University of South Carolina College of Medicine; Director, Echocardiography Laboratory, Veterans Affairs Medical Center of Charleston

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Acknowledgements

Russell F Kelly, MD Assistant Professor, Department of Internal Medicine, Rush Medical College; Chairman of Adult Cardiology and Director of the Fellowship Program, Cook County Hospital

Russell F Kelly is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Ronald J Oudiz, MD, FACP, FACC, FCCP Professor of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine; Director, Liu Center for Pulmonary Hypertension, Division of Cardiology, LA Biomedical Research Institute at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center

Ronald J Oudiz, MD, FACP, FACC, FCCP is a member of the following medical societies: American College of Cardiology, American College of Chest Physicians, American College of Physicians, American Heart Association, and American Thoracic Society

Disclosure: Actelion Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; Encysive Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; Gilead Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; Pfizer Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; United Therapeutics Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; Lilly Grant/research funds Clinical Trials + honoraria; LungRx Clinical Trials + honoraria; Bayer Grant/research funds Consulting

Francisco Talavera, PharmD, PhD Adjunct Assistant Professor, University of Nebraska Medical Center College of Pharmacy; Editor-in-Chief, Medscape Drug Reference

Disclosure: Medscape Salary Employment

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This anteroposterior-view chest radiograph shows a massive, bottle-shaped heart and conspicuous absence of pulmonary vascular congestion. Reproduced with permission from Chest, 1996: 109:825.

This anteroposterior-view chest radiograph shows a massive, bottle-shaped heart and conspicuous absence of pulmonary vascular congestion. Reproduced with permission from Chest, 1996: 109:825.

Early diastolic collapse of right ventricular free wall (subcostal view).

Early diastolic collapse of right ventricular free wall (parasternal short-axis view at aortic valve).

Late diastolic collapse of right atrium (subcostal view).

Dilated inferior vena cava.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram showing sinus tachycardia with electrical alternans. Reproduced with permission from Chest, 1996; 109:825.

This anteroposterior-view chest radiograph shows a massive, bottle-shaped heart and conspicuous absence of pulmonary vascular congestion. Reproduced with permission from Chest, 1996: 109:825.

A 12-lead electrocardiogram showing sinus tachycardia with electrical alternans. Reproduced with permission from Chest, 1996; 109:825.

Early diastolic collapse of right ventricular free wall (subcostal view).

Early diastolic collapse of right ventricular free wall (parasternal short-axis view at aortic valve).

Late diastolic collapse of right atrium (subcostal view).

Dilated inferior vena cava.