Author/Editor     Marš, Tomaž; Mikolavčič, Helena; Salobir, Barbara; Podbregar, Matej
Title     Echocardiography of isolated subacute left heart tamponade in a patient with cor pulmonale and circumferential pericardial effusion
Type     članek
Source     Cardiovasc Ultrasound
Vol. and No.     Letnik 8
Publication year     2010
Volume     str. 27
Language     eng
Abstract     Patients with advanced idiopathic pulmonary artery hypertension have often a chronic pericardial effusion. It is the result of increased transudation and impaired re-absorption due to elevated venous pressure. These patients have pre-existent symptoms and signs of chronic right heart failure. High degree of suspicion is required to detect of development of an atypical form of tamponade with isolated compression of left heart chambers as shown in present case report. Transthoracic echocardiography provides a rapid access to the correct diagnosis, a prompt relief of symptoms following the ultrasound guided pericardiocentesis and important diagnostic tool for regular follow up of patients thereafter as shown in our case report.
Descriptors     HYPERTENSION, PULMONARY
CARDIAC TAMPONADE
PERICARDIAL EFFUSION
PULMONARY HEART DISEASE
ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
MIDDLE AGE
CHRONIC DISEASE