Acute Traumatic Pericardial Tamponade.

Acute traumatic pericardial tamponade is a serious and rapidly fatal injury. As penetrating chest wounds are becoming more cammon, early diagnosis of tamponade is important so that life savingtreatement can be started. The classical features of tamponade may a be modified by hypovolemia and the presence of associated injuries. Acute tamponade may also be precipitated by rapid administration of large volumes of fluid. Echocardiography is limited by availability and operator dependence. Pericardiocentesis, while sometimes life saving is dangereous and limited value. A higher deagree of clinical suspincion in patients with chest injuries, together with close monitoring and revaluation, particulary during volume remplancement is essential. This paper describes one patient presented to the emergency department of University Hospital Center “Mother Theresa “ and it discusses the epidemiology and management principles of acute tamponade