TAMING THE SRU
TAMING THE SRU - August 04, 2021 - By Anita Goel
… “This question of tamponade or no tamponade can be answered through the use of more comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) with 2D images obtained in standard parasternal long and short axis, subcostal, and apical four chamber views, as well as using M-mode and Doppler analysis of blood flow. Bedside echocardiography for pericardial effusions should include a comprehensive evaluation in all 4 standard views. Specifically, the provider should evaluate for size of the effusion, location of the effusion (global vs localized), and signs of cardiac tamponade (1). Echocardiographic findings of cardiac tamponade include:
- Diastolic collapse of the right atrium and right ventricle
- Excessive respiratory variation of the inflow velocities over the mitral and tricuspid valves
- Lack of respiratory variation of the IVC diameter.
For a complete review of how to obtain these types of images, please see Dr. Murphy’s post from February of 2018 discussing cardiac tamponade…”