cardiac tamponade
Chapter: 7
Cardiac tamponade results from accumulation of fluid (transudate, exudate, or blood) in the pericardial sac. Since the fluid occupies the pericardial space, compressing the heart, the ventricles and atria cannot fill during diastole. Acutely, 100-200 cc may be enough to cause death. If the fluid accumulates slowly, the pericardium will expand, and perhaps 1 liter would be necessary to cause death.
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