Etymed
hemopericardium
Definition
The presence of blood in the pericardial cavity surrounding the heart
Clinical context
A 25-year-old trauma patient presents after a motor vehicle accident with hypotension and muffled heart sounds. Echocardiogram reveals fluid in the pericardial space with evidence of cardiac tamponade. The patient undergoes emergency pericardiocentesis to drain the accumulated blood. Hemopericardium is the pathologic condition causing this presentation.
Mnemonic
Hemopericardium = HEMO (blood) + PERI (around) + CARDI (heart) + UM (condition) - blood around the heart in pericardial cavity
These morphemes also unlock…
- hemo — blood
- pericardium — around the heart