Deutsche medizinische Wochenschrift
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Hyponatremia is a common condition affecting hospitalized and ambulatory patients as well. The clinical spectrum of hyponatremia can range from asymptomatic laboratory findings to severely symptomatic conditions such as acute epileptic seizures. ⋯ As hyponatremia can be a potentially life-threatening condition, it requires an efficient management with the goal of identifying the etiology and to subsequently provide adequate treatment, while avoiding treatment-related adverse effects such as overcorrection and pontine myelinolysis. This article summarizes the pathophysiology and differential diagnosis, as well as useful diagnostic tests and therapy of hyponatremia in a practice-oriented manner.
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A pericardial effusion can be caused by malignant, infectious and autoimmune diseases or by trauma, such as a coronary artery rupture during a cath procedure. In the case of a cardiac tamponade a pericardiocentesis has to be performed immediately. ⋯ The risks of a pericardiocentesis include injuries to the lungs and liver as well as the heart itself, such as puncture of the right ventricle or the rupture of a coronary artery. This article is a step-by-step description of how to safely perform an ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis.