Delayed cardiac tamponade following a stab wound: a case report

Penetrating trauma is a frequent presentation to urban emergency departments (EDs). Pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade is a possible complication of penetrating trauma to the chest, to the back, and to the upper abdomen. Even if patients are stable initially without signs or symptoms of cardiac tamponade, there can be delayed sequelae. Presented is a case of cardiac tamponade diagnosed 21 days after a stab wound to the epigastrium.