Pericardial and Myocardial Disease

Two of four features: pain, rub, ECG changes, effusion

A memory aid for the diagnosis of acute pericarditis.

Equalisation of diastolic pressures with impaired filling and pulsus paradoxus

A memory aid for the haemodynamics of cardiac tamponade.

Dilated, hypertrophic and restrictive, each with a distinct physiology

A memory aid for the three types of cardiomyopathy.

Kussmaul's sign and the y descent separate them

A memory aid for distinguishing constriction from tamponade.

Vegetations on damaged valves, with embolic and immune complications

A memory aid for the organisms, valves and complications of endocarditis.

Transverse sinus behind the great arteries; oblique sinus behind the left atrium

A memory aid for the two pericardial sinuses and their surgical relevance.

Enter at Larrey's point, left of the xiphoid, aiming for the left shoulder at 30 degrees

A memory aid for the subxiphoid approach to the pericardium.

Fibrous pericardium, parietal serous layer, pericardial cavity, visceral serous layer

A memory aid for the layers of the pericardium from outside in.