Early diagnosis of shock due to pericardial tamponade using transcutaneous oxygen monitoring.

The early diagnosis of traumatic pericardial tamponade may be difficult. The transcutaneous oxygen (PtcO2) monitor has been shown to be a useful indicator of low-flow shock. In the case presented, PtcO2 monitoring was the earliest indicator of shock due to pericardial tamponade and led to successful early therapy before other signs of physiologic decompensation were evident. In the management of acutely traumatized patients, PtcO2 monitoring is useful both in identifying patients who are in shock and in helping to guide therapy.