Answer this Case

A 65-year-old man collapses and is brought into the casualty department. Chest X-ray shows an increase in the cardiothoracic ration but clear lung fields. He is found to have decreased arterial pressure, increased central venous pressure, and faint heart sounds .

What is the most likely diagnosis?



a) Cardiogenic shock

b) Mitral regurgitation

c) Pericardial tamponade

d) Pulmonary embolism

e) Ventricular septal defect



The correct answer is C



Explanation

Pericardial tamponade classically results in the acute cardiac compression triad of Beck, which consists of decreased arterial pressure, increased central venous pressure, and distant heart sounds . Although clearly pathognomonic for tamponade, Beck's triad occurs in only 10% of individuals with pericardial tamponade