Dr. Usman's Cardiology Notes

See the figure shown and answer the following questions a)       Describe the aortic pressure tracing b)       Describe normal Atrial pressure tracing c)        Describe atrial pressure tracing in tricuspid regurgitation d)       Effect of Tamponade on atrial pressure tracing Answers: a.       When aortic valve opens, pressure increases as blood flows into the aorta and reaches its maximum. Pressure falls as blood flows out of aorta and aortic valve closes   b.       " a " wave corresponds to right Atrial contraction and its peak demarcates the end of atrial systole. The " c " wave corresponds to right ventricular Contraction causing the tricuspid valve to bulge towards the RA. The " x " descent follows the 'a' wave and corresponds to atrial relaxation and rapid atrial filling due to low pressure. The " v " wave correspon...

A 44 year old female presented with low grade fever, dysphagia, hiccups and weight loss for 3 months. On examination BP was 100/60, regular pulse 100bpm, muffled heart sounds with pericardial friction rub. ECG was of low voltage and chest X-ray showed enlarged cardiac shadow. ESR was 70mm/hour. PPD 9mm. Echocardiogram revealed large pericardial effusion a)       What is diagnosis? b)       How would you treat pericardial effusion if it is recurrent? c)       What are the treatment options available? d)       Are steroids indicated?   Answers: a.       Tuberculous pericardial Effusion b.       Pericardiocentesis, pericardial window pericardiotomy c.        Triple therapy INH/Rifampicin/Ethambutol for 9 months d.       Constrictive tuberculous pericarditis steroids are given, but i...