Answer this Case

A 65-year-old man collapses and is brought into the casualty department. Chest X-ray shows an increase in the cardiothoracic ration but clear lung fields. He is found to have decreased arterial pressure, increased central venous pressure, and faint heart sounds .
What is the most likely diagnosis?

a) Cardiogenic shock
b) Mitral regurgitation
c) Pericardial tamponade
d) Pulmonary embolism
e) Ventricular septal defect

The correct answer is C

Explanation
Pericardial tamponade classically results in the acute cardiac compression triad of Beck, which consists of decreased arterial pressure, increased central venous pressure, and distant heart sounds . Although clearly pathognomonic for tamponade, Beck's triad occurs in only 10% of individuals with pericardial tamponade