ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Cardiac tamponade is a medical emergency that occurs when fluid accumulates in the pericardial space, its prompt diagnosis and treatment can prevent a fatal outcome. OBJECTIVES: We describe a case of cardiac tamponade in a medicine Ward and its subsequent resolution. CLINICAL CASE: 56-year-old male patient with dyspnoea and edematous síndrome, managed with partial response depletive therapy. Echocardiographic study reveals a large pericardial effusion with signs of cardiac tamponade. Inmediate management with ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis and subsequent surgical resolution. DISCUSSION: The knowledge of the clinical-hemdynamic manifestations and their subsequent pathophysiological background are important in the diagnostic suspicion and management considerations. Echocardiography is a critical component for the final diagnosis, since given its sensitivity and specificity it allows to complete the characterization of the pericardial effusion. In addition, it contributes to reducing the morbidity associated with its drainage.