Cardiac tamponade following infarction: management with pericardiocentesis and surgery

Four patients with cardiac tamponade following myocardial infarction are presented. Diagnostic clinical features and the role of echocardiography are discussed. Pericardiocentesis resulted in rapid improvement in clinical state but frequently tamponade recurred. Surgery was undertaken in three patients and two have survived long term. If promptly recognised, tamponade following myocardial infarction may be treated.