Attending to the catastrophic outcome of<unk><unk>  in a very short time span, its diagnosis must be reached as early as possible in order for proper therapy to be started. This period until diagnosis and treatment initiation is particularly important in the case of<unk><unk>  since the mortality rate of this condition complicating acute-MI is very high, along with the fact that the ability to revert the damage caused, through reperfusion techniques, declines considerably with diagnostic delays. Therefore and due to the unstable state of these patients, the diagnostic evaluations are usually performed as supportive measures are initiated. The diagnostic measures should start with the proper history and physical examination, including blood pressure measurement, followed by an EKG, echocardiography, chest x-ray and collection of blood samples for evaluation. The physician should keep in mind the common features of<unk> , irrespective of the type of<unk> , in order to avoid delays in the diagnosis. Although not all<unk>  patients present in the same way, these features include: abnormal mental status, cool extremities, clammy skin, manifestations of hypoperfusion, such as hypotension and oliguria, as well as evidence of metabolic acidosis on the blood results. An electrocardiogram may be useful in distinguishing<unk><unk>  from other types of<unk> , such as septic<unk>  or neurogenic<unk> . A diagnosis of<unk><unk>  complicating acute-MI is suggested by the presence of ST segment changes, new left bundle branch block or signs of cardiomyopathy. However, these findings will depend on the region of the heart affected, as well as on the extension of the lesion.
Cardiogenic shock electrocardiogram
Cardiac tamponade CT scan
Cardiac tamponade electrocardiogram
Cyanosis electrocardiogram
Hyperthermia electrocardiogram
Cardiogenic shock chest x ray
Myxedema coma electrocardiogram
Cardiac tamponade CT