Cardiac tamponade from percutaneous central venous catheterization: report of one case.

Abstract

Central venous catheters (CVC) are occasionally associated with life-threatening extravasation complications. We report a case of cardiac tamponade in a premature infant complicating with percutaneous central venous catheter. The baby developed respiratory distress while receiving parenteral nutrition through a central venous line. Chest X-ray films revealed progressive increasing cardiomegaly and 2-dimensional (2-D) echocardiography showed a "swinging heart." A diagnosis of cardiac tamponade was made and the baby was rescued under emergency pericardiocentesis and removal of the central catheter. The aspirated fluid was the content of parenteral fluid administered.