Why does JVP increase in cardiac tamponade?

JVP: the y descent is abolished due to an increase in intrapericardial pressure, preventing diastolic filling of the ventricles (cardiac tamponade causes an increase in both central venous pressure and pulmonary artery occlusion pressure). Cyanosis and pulmonary oedema may occur.

Is cardiac tamponade the same as constrictive pericarditis?

Constrictive pericarditis (CP) and pericardial tamponade are two different entities with different pathophysiology and treatment modalities. However, infrequently patients can present with comparable clinical features, equivocal electrocardiogram (ECG), and analogous echocardiogram and MRI findings.

Why is JVP raised in constrictive pericarditis?

In constrictive pericarditis, the characteristic sharp and deep y descent reflects rapid filling in early diastole which occurs when the unyielding pericardium elevates atrial pressure and limits ventricular filling to the early diastolic period.

Can constrictive pericarditis cause tamponade?

Effusive-constrictive pericarditis (ECP) is a less common syndrome involving both constriction of the visceral pericardium and an effusion causing a tamponade-like effect on the heart.

Is the JVP a symptom of constrictive pericarditis?

The paradoxical rise in jugular venous pressure (JVP) with inspiration, known as Kussmaul’s sign, and a sharp and deep y descent of the jugular venous waveform, known as Friedreich’s sign, are nonspecific physical findings of constrictive pericarditis.

How is tamponade different from constrictive pericarditis?

The main method of differentiating tamponade from constrictive pericarditis on JVP is by observing the x and y descent. Tamponades produce sharp x descent only, whilst constrictive pericarditis produces sharp x and y descent. Normally, the JVP should go down with inspiration as a result of the drop in intrathoracic pressure.

How does tamponade affect the jugular venous pulse?

These changes can also be appreciated in the jugular venous pulse. With tamponade, the pericardial space is hydraulically distended under sufficient tension to raise filling pressures equally in all chambers and impair diastolic filling.

How does the JVP work in a tamponade?

This negative wave is transmitted to the atria which causes an exaggerated atrial relaxation, pulling all the blood inside the atrium, leading to a prominent x descent. A more complex explanation, copied from blaufuss ( http://www.blaufuss.org/HSM/TEXT/TAMP_CPC_txt.html) for reference. The atrial pulse contour in tamponade is unique.