B3.085 Heart and Mediastinum Flashcards
(159 cards)
pericardium
the sac of connective tissues that encloses the heart and first portion of the great vessels
2 parts that makes up the pericardium
fibrous
serous
2 anatomical regions of serous pericardium
visceral - on heart itself (epicardium)
parietal - forms the inner surface of the wall of the pericardial sac
fibrous pericardium
tough
indistensible
outer portion
fuses with adventitia of great arteria and veins 2-4 cm above the heart
can grow slowly to accommodate an enlarging heart
adventitia
outermost connective tissue
serous pericardium
closed sac covers heart (visceral) and inner surface of fibrous pericardium (parietal)
when do the visceral and parietal layers of serous pericardium become continuous?
at roots of great vessels
form a closed cavity
how much fluid is in the pericardial cavity?
20 (15-50) mL
what is the purpose of fluid in the cavity?
heart can move freely as it beats in a very low friction environment
prevent rubbing against other structures
where is pericardial fluid produced?
visceral pericardium
an ultrafiltrate of plasma
pericardial sinuses
transverse
oblique
transverse pericardial sinus location
passageway between R and L sides of pericardial cavity
anterior to SVC
posterior to ascending aorta and pulm trunk
superior to pulm veins and left atrium
oblique pericardial sinus location
blind pocket
dorsal to L atrium
formed by pericardial reflections surrounding the pulm veins and SVC and IVC
most dependent (lowest) portion of the pericardial sac when a patient lies supine
oblique pericardial sinus
leaking bypasses may result in extra fluid here post surgery
cardiac tamponade
compression of heart due to rapid accumulation of fluid in the pericardial sac
prevents chambers from expanding fully
limits ability to pump blood
what amt of fluid can cause elevated intrapericardial pressures?
80 mL
if slowly progressive, can reach 2 L in extreme cases
classic indications of cardiac tamponade
jugular venous distention
distant heart sounds
hypotension with dyspnea
where can you see jugular venous distention?
external jugular vein on top of sternocleidomastoid muscle
why can you see JVD?
no valves within the vein
ultimate connection to right atrium
blood can get backed up
pericardiocentesis
removal of excess fluid from pericardial sac
18G spinal tap needle
20-80 cc syringe
performed with US guidance
where do you place the needle in pericardiocentesis
just to the left of the xiphoid process
angled 45 deg
pointing towards medial edge of left scapula
pericarditis
inflammation of the pericardial sac lining due to viral or bacterial infections
pain associated with pericarditis
remains substernal some referred pain to back and shoulders rarely radiates down arm worsens when lying down (opposite of MI pain) worsens when inhaling deeply
why does pain worsen when laying down or breathing?
flattening of diaphragm elongates sac causing it to rub against heart