What is a key echocardiographic finding in tamponade?

• A. Ventricular collapse in diastole with effusion
• B. Thickened pericardium without effusion
• C. Left atrial enlargement
• D. Mitral valve prolapse

Answer: (A)

Tamponade primarily disrupts filling during diastole because the pericardial pressure from the effusion constrains the heart. On echocardiography the hallmark image is diastolic collapse of the right-sided heart chambers, most classically the right ventricle, often with concurrent right atrial involvement, in the setting of pericardial effusion. This diastolic collapse reflects the equalization of diastolic pressures and the external compression that prevents normal filling, signaling tamponade physiology that needs urgent attention. Thickened pericardium without effusion points to constrictive pericarditis rather than acute tamponade, while left atrial enlargement or mitral valve prolapse are unrelated to the tamponade-specific echo finding.