]> 2026-07-31T12:14:32+00:00 WBR0428 0 en Rate of fluid accumulation relative to pericardial stretch The rate of fluid accumulation relative to pericardial compensatory stretch mechanisms plays a significant role in the clinical presentation of cardiac tamponade. Plaque rupture and location of thrombus formation within the coronary artery Patient’s past medical history The patient's pericarditis is caused by the patient's recent upper respiratory infection. However, the patient's past medical history is not associated with the severity of his presentation. Amount of fluid accumulation within the pericardial sac Although the amount of fluid accumulation is important, even larger volumes of accumulated fluid may be associated with no symptoms had the fluid accumulated over a prolonged period of time. Weakness of peripheral radial pulse upon inspiration Pathology A 57-year-old man is brought to the emergency department with acute-onset, severe chest pain. The patient's wife reports he had a upper respiratory infection 6 days ago. In the ED, his temperature is 37.0 °C (98.6 °F), heart rate is 112/min, and blood pressure is 80/50 mmHg. Physical examination is remarkable for jugular venous distension (JVD) and weakness of the peripheral radial pulse upon inspiration. What is the most important determinant of severity of the clinical presentation of this patient’s condition? A Cardiology 2020-10-28T00:31:46Z 2459150.5220602 WBR0428