Management of Pericardial Effusion following Cardiac Perforation during Radiofrequency Ablation of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Abstract

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is a well-established technique in the management of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and at many institutions is the treatment of choice in small lesions in early-stage disease.1 Major complications occur in 2 to 3% and include intraperitoneal bleeding, hepatic abscess, bile duct injury, pneumothorax, and hemothorax.2 Pericardial effusion is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication of RFA. This article describes such a complication and its management.