The most common cause of cardiac tamponade in developed countries is malignancy, whereas in developing countries, tuberculosis is still a common culprit.

Characteristic physical signs of cardiac tamponade are pulsus paradoxus, increased jugular venous pressure (JVP), and low blood pressure.

Additional findings that support tamponade include: absence of Kussmaul sign, pressure equalization of all heart chambers in diastole and prominent x descent (and absent or attenuated y descent) on venous waveform.

Transthoracic echocardiogram (TTE) is the diagnostic test of choice in making the diagnosis of tamponade.

Avoid diuretics and vasodilators when tamponade is suspected. Volume resuscitation and immediate drainage of pericardial effusion is essential treatment.

Occurs most commonly 1 to 7 days after an inferior MI

Papillary muscle rupture is most serious cause of post-MI mitral regurgitation, which can be rapidly fatal.

Acute pulmonary edema is the most common clinical presentation of papillary muscle rupture.

A new holosystolic murmur may be an early clue in papillary muscle rupture.