Acoustic percussion of the heart

ACOUSTIC PERCUSSION OF THE HEART
  • In pericarditis, hypertrophy and dilatation of the heart giving a damp tone beyond the fifth rib. This dampness can also be caused by pneumonia or other pathological processes in the region of heart.
  • In pulmonary emphysema, the area of cardiac dullness is smaller than normal (or) completely absent on both sides and the same applies to pneumothorax.
  • In some cases of traumatic pericarditis, pericardium will contain gas, giving tympanitic tone in the heart region on the upperside.
  • Accumulation of fluid within the pericardial sac produces more pronounced dullness.
Last modified: Wednesday, 22 February 2012, 8:59 AM