Echocardiography-guided Pericardiocentesis Research Articles

Computed Tomography-Guided Pericardiocentesis: A Practical Guide.

The purpose of this article is to serve as a practical guide to computed tomography (CT)-guided pericardiocentesis and to discuss the role of this approach in current clinical practice. An overview of indications, technique, advantages, and limitations specific to CT-guided pericardiocentesis will be provided. The reader will have an enhanced understanding of the use of this imaging modality to guide pericardial drainage. Use of CT guidance to drain the pericardial space is safe, especially when adequate echocardiographic evaluation is precluded and when echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is deemed unsafe and or not feasible. Our review and experience indicate that CT-guided pericardiocentesis is technically successful in more than 94% of patients, with a low risk (<1%) of significant complications. CT-guided pericardiocentesis is therefore a viable alternative when echocardiographic guidance is insufficient and can obviate the need for surgery in most patients.

Abstract 13023: Contemporary Echocardiography-Guided Pericardiocentesis Outcomes in a High-Volume Tertiary Teaching Hospital

Introduction: First performed in the 1970s, echo-guided pericardiocentesis has become the preferred approach for draining pericardial effusions. After identifying the largest pocket, a cardiology attending and fellow use a micropuncture needle kit, confirm placement with agitated saline, and leave a side and end hole 8 French drain stocked with sterile saline. This is drained every 8 hours by nursing and never left to gravity or else it tends to clot. The drain is removed when output is &lt;25 cc in 24 hours, or by 7 days. Methods: We prospectively maintained an IRB approved database of pericardiocenteses performed by three experienced cardiology attendings directly supervising a multitude of fellows between 2009-2021 at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. Results: Of 391 pericardiocenteses, 61% were for tamponade. 66% were done from an apical approach, 18% subcostal, 11% left parasternal, and 2% right parasternal. Drains were left in for an average of 3.1 days (range 1-10 days). An average of 578 mL were drained with the initial procedure (range 5-2670 mL), and 62% of effusions were bloody. A total of 42% were deemed idiopathic, without an identifiable cause, 27% were associated with malignancy (56% of these had positive cytology with remaining unlikely from any other cause), 9% after open heart surgery (valve replacement, heart transplant, dissection repair), 8% post-procedural (electrophysiology, cardiac catheterization, line placement), 5% were in chronic dialysis patients, and the remainder were due to a combination of hemorrhage not related to a procedure, rheumatic, post-radiation, or medication-induced. The rate of serious complications was 3% and included 4 pneumothoraces, 3 hemothoraces, 3 cases of pericardial decompression syndrome, 1 RV microperforation, and one PEA arrest resulting from cardiac perforation. There were no mortalities. The rate of non-serious complications was 4% and included pleural placement of drain in 8, severe pain remitting with drain removal in 5, prolonged bleeding from puncture site in 2, and SVT during placement in 1. Conclusion: Overall, echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis by experienced providers supervising fellows-in-training is a safe and effective means of draining pericardial effusions.

Anatomic Approach and Outcomes in Children Undergoing Percutaneous Pericardiocentesis.

Pericardiocentesis is traditionally performed using a subxiphoid approach. Hepatomegaly or loculated and noncircumferential effusions warrant nonstandard approaches to drain effusions; echocardiographic guidance has made these less traditional, non-subxiphoid approaches feasible. The study is aimed at comparing clinical outcomes of the subxiphoid and non-subxiphoid approaches to percutaneous pericardiocentesis in a pediatric population. This is a retrospective chart review of all children undergoing percutaneous pericardiocentesis from August 2008 to December 2019 at a single-center. A total of 104 patients underwent echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis during the timeframe. Additionally, fluoroscopy was also used in 80 patients. Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was the most common underlying diagnosis (n = 53, 50.9%). A non-subxiphoid approach was used in 58.6% (n = 61) of patients. The fifth and sixth intercostal spaces were the most commonly used (n = 17 each). The non-subxiphoid group tended to be older (95.9 vs. 21.7months, p = 0.006) and weighed more (23.6 vs. 11.2kgs, p = 0.013) as compared to the subxiphoid group. Non-subxiphoid approach was associated with shorter procedure times (21 vs. 37min, p = 0.005). No major complications were seen. Five minor complications occurred and were equally distributed in the two groups. Complications were more likely in younger patients (p = 0.047). The technique and anatomic approach to pericardiocentesis, and the location or size of effusion did not influence the risk of complications. Echocardiography-guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis in children was associated with low complication rates in this single-center pediatric experience. The use of a non-traditional, non-subxiphoid approach was associated with shorter procedure times and did not significantly affect complication rates.

CARDIAC TAMPONADE FROM RAPID UREMIC PERICARDITIS IN PATIENT WITH WARFARIN OVER-ANTICOAGULATION

SESSION TITLE: Medical Student/Resident Cardiovascular Disease Posters SESSION TYPE: Med Student/Res Case Rep Postr PRESENTED ON: October 18-21, 2020 INTRODUCTION: Cardiac tamponade constitutes a medical emergency, which requires prompt recognition, diagnosis and treatment that is geared towards preventing cardiovascular collapse and cardiac arrest. CASE PRESENTATION: 81-year-old male patient with end stage renal disease on hemodialysis, paroxysmal atrial fibrillation on warfarin anticoagulation, diabetes mellitus type II, and morbid obesity, who was evaluated for history of 24-hour progression of general malaise, orthopnea, dyspnea on exertion, and dizziness after missing two sessions of hemodialysis. Physical exam was remarkable for borderline low blood pressure, +3 leg edema, distended jugular veins, bibasilar crackles, distant heart sounds, absence of cardiac murmurs or heart sounds. ECG showed pulsus alternans and low voltage criteria. Limited bedside echocardiogram was remarkable for a moderate pericardial effusion with minimal ventricular and atrial compression abnormalities. Patient was provided hemodialysis for volume overload without hemodynamic decompensation and was monitored with telemetry and bedside hemodynamics. Shortly after hemodialysis, patient developed worsening shortness of breath and became hypotensive. Patient was started on norepinephrine vasopressor therapy. A bedside limited echocardiogram showed diastolic right ventricular and right atrial collapse, non-collapsibility of the inferior vena cava and severe pericardial effusion that duplicated in size. Bedside emergent subxiphoid echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with instillation of agitated saline was performed with removal of about 400cc of serosanguineous fluid with resolution of hypotension and electric alternans. Labs reflected marked uremia, elevated ESR and C-reactive protein and warfarin overanticoagulation with INR of 4.5. Pericardial fluid resulted with a culture-negative exudative effusion composed of bloody material and inflammatory cells. Chest non-contrast computed tomography showed nonspecific mild mediastinal adenopathy. Positron emission tomography–computed tomography showed no significant F-18 Fluorodeoxyglucose avid lesions that were identified. Patient was provided ultrafiltration for 5 days, and started on colchicine and indomethacin with weekly follow-up of inflammatory markers and echocardiography, with marked improvement of pericardial effusion size and return of normal hemodynamics. DISCUSSION: Uremic pericarditis was identified in setting of acute pericarditis in a patient with over-anticoagulation. The hemorrhagic component resulted in rapid fluid accumulation and tamponade. The instillation of agitated saline can help assess for inadvertent chamber puncture during procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Uremic pericarditis is now an uncommon cause of pericarditis, but it can be exacerbated in the setting of inflammatory pericarditis and over-anticoagulation, leading to rapid accumulation of bloody pericardial fluid and cardiac tamponade. Reference #1: Maggiolini S, Gentile G, Farina A, et al. Safety, efficacy, and complications of pericardiocentesis by real-time echo-monitored procedure. Am J Cardiol 2016;117:1369-74. Reference #2: Sadjadi SA, Mashahdian A. Uremic pericarditis: a report of 30 cases and review of the literature. Am J Case Rep. 2015;16:169-173. Reference #3: Osuch JR, Khandekar JD, Fry WA. Emergency subxiphoid pericardial decompression for malignant pericardial effusion. Am Surg. 1985;51(6):298-300. DISCLOSURES: No relevant relationships by VICTOR MOLINA-LOPEZ, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Hector Santiago, source=Web Response No relevant relationships by Francisco Tirado-Polo, source=Web Response

Pericardial effusion and outcome in children at a Tertiary Hospital in North-Western Nigeria: A 2-year retrospective review

Background: Pericardial effusion may culminate in cardiac tamponade which could be fatal. This study aims to describe the prevalence of cardiac tamponade, with the etiology, and outcome of childhood pericardial effusion at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano, Nigeria. Materials and Methods: Hospital records of children with pericardial effusion were retrospectively analyzed from June 2016 to May 2018. Data were described via percentages, tables, and bar and pie charts. Results: Of the 5876 pediatric admissions during the study duration, 10 (0.2%) children presented with cardiac tamponade (9 boys and 1 girl) and had emergency echocardiography-guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis; 5 (50%) of them had purulent, 4 (40%) had serous, and 1 (10%) had hemorrhagic pericardial effusion. Seventeen children, aged 8 months to 13 years with a male: female ratio of 2.4:1, had pericardial effusion during the study period. Pericardial effusion of infectious origin (58.8%) was the most common followed by uremic (17.4%), rheumatic (11.8%), and trauma and idiopathic (5.9%). Tuberculosis (TB) was the most implicated cause of infectious pericardial effusion (70%), and also the most common cause of cardiac tamponade (50%). Mortality was recorded in two children (11.8%) with end-stage renal disease and decompensated rheumatic heart disease, both complicated by pericardial effusion. None of them were in tamponade and hence did not have pericardiocentesis. Emergency echocardiography-guided percutaneous pericardiocentesis was safe and successful in all those who had this procedure. Conclusion: Cardiac tamponade is common in children with pericardial effusion in Kano. TB is the leading cause of childhood pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade. Mortality was reported in two children, with pericardial effusion of uremic and rheumatic etiology each.

A Case Report: Painless Type A Aortic Dissection with Cardiac Tamponade as Initial Presentation

A 70 years old male with past medical history of hypertension, remote history of colonic and prostate cancer and ischemic stroke came to the hospital with generalized weakness, fatigue, increased shortness of breath and decreased exercise tolerance for the past week. Bedside echocardiogram revealed large amount of pericardial effusion with signs of pericardial tamponade. Patient successfully underwent echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with improvement of symptoms and remained stable and 900 cc of bloody fluid was drained. Blood tests revealed markedly elevated D-dimer, elevated liver enzymes and acute kidney injury. Chest X-ray showed widened mediastinum. CT chest without a contrast indicative of ascending aortic dissection, was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the chest. During and prior to admission to our hospital patient had reported no chest pain. Cardiac tamponade was the only clinical finding, which is very unusual for acute aortic dissection to be diagnosed. Patient was transferred to another institution for surgical intervention, which revealed sealed ruptured aortic dissection into pericardium, with successful repair of the dissection, and later was discharged in stable condition.

Safety and efficacy of non-continuous echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis: a single-center study of 478 patients.

There are limited contemporary data on the safety and efficacy of echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis in Italy. The aim of the study was to evaluate safety and efficacy of pericardiocentesis, performed with non-continuous echocardiography monitoring. All the procedures performed at Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Ospedali Riuniti Ancona, from January 2001 to June 2013, were retrospectively analyzed to determine risks connected to the procedure and its success rate. Epidemiological data, procedure indications and etiology of the effusions were also recorded. In the study period, 478 pericardiocentesis were performed for cardiac tamponade (N.=161), to remove large amount of fluid (N.=215) or for diagnostic purposes (N.=102). Echocardiographic evaluation, performed just before the procedure, was used to define the site of entry, to measure the distance from the skin to the fluid, and to establish how to direct the needle. We observed an extremely low rate of complications (<1%), without any death. The procedure was fully successful in 98% of cases and achieved only partial fluid removal in the remained 10 patients. The etiology of the effusion was malignancy or post cardiothoracic surgery in almost 60% of cases. Over the years there was an increase of pericardiocentesis performed after a cardiothoracic surgery (P=0.002); There was a significant reduction of the average amount of drained fluid in the years 2010-2013 vs. the period 2001-2009. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is an effective and safe procedure, with a low rate of complications.

Safety, Efficacy, and Complications of Pericardiocentesis by Real-Time Echo-Monitored Procedure

Pericardiocentesis is useful in the diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusive disease. To date, a number of methods have been developed to reduce complications and increase the success rate of the procedure. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and the safety of echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis under continuous echocardiographic monitoring in the management of pericardial effusion. We prospectively performed 161 pericardiocentesis procedures in 141 patients admitted from 1993 to 2015 in 3 centers. This procedure was performed for tamponade or large pericardial effusion in 157 cases and for diagnosis in 4 cases. A percutaneous puncture was performed where the largest amount of fluid was detected. To perform a real-time echo-guided procedure, a multi-angle bracket was mounted on the echocardiographic probe to support the needle and enable its continuous visualization during the puncture. The procedure was successful in 160 of 161 cases (99%). Two major complications occurred (1.2%): 1 mediastinal hematoma that required surgical drainage in a patient on anticoagulant therapy and 1 pleuropericardial shunt requiring thoracentesis. Seven minor complications occurred (4.3%): 1 pleuropericardial shunt, 1 case of transient AV type III block, 3 vasovagal reactions (1 with syncope), and 2 cases of acute pulmonary edema managed with medical therapy. No punctures of any cardiac chamber occurred, and emergency surgical drainage was not required in any case. In conclusion, echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis under continuous visualization is effective, safe, and easy to perform, even in hospitals with low volumes of procedures with or without cardiac surgery.

Complications of pericardiocentesis: A clinical synopsis.

Pericardiocentesis (PC) is both a diagnostic and a potentially life-saving therapeutic procedure. Currently echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is considered the standard clinical practice in the treatment of large pericardial effusions and cardiac tamponade. Although considered relatively safe, this invasive procedure may be associated with certain risks and potentially serious complications. This review provides a summary of pericardiocentesis and a focused overview of the potential complications of this procedure.

Spontaneous isolated pericardial tamponade associated with warfarin.

To the Editor, An 83-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department with progressive dyspnea and orthopnea for 3 days. She was discharged with warfarin therapy (5 mg per day) due to pulmonary embolism 5 months previously. On admission she was orthopneic and tachypneic. Her arterial blood pressure was 90/60 mmHg and heart rate was 115/min with sinus rhythm. On cardiac auscultation, S1 and S2 intensity were decreased, and pathologic murmur and pericardial friction were not observed. Other physical examination findings were unremarkable. An increased cardio-thoracic ratio was revealed on chest X-ray (Figure 1a). Decreased QRS voltage and sinus tachycardia was evaluated on electrocardiogram. The internalised normalised ratio (INR) level was 8.6 and the prothrombin time was 70 seconds. Haemoglobin was determined to be 11.1 g/dL. The other laboratory findings were normal. An emergency thoracic computed tomography (CT) scan was performed to exclude recurrent pulmonary embolism, and surprisingly showed a massive pericardial effusion (Figure 1b). However, echocardiography revealed severe pericardial effusion that was compressing the right ventricle. Therefore, vitamin K and fresh frozen plasma infusion were administered promptly. As a result, the INR was decreased to 1.4 and 800 mL haemorrhagic fluid was drained percutaneously (P/S) with the apical approach. The patient’s blood pressure, orthopnoea and dyspnoea improved dramatically. There was no other source of bleeding except haemopericardium. Consequently, the cardiac tamponade in our patient, secondary to haemopericardium, was considered to be the result of the incorrect dosage of Warfarin. On control echocardiography, there was no recurrence of pericardial fluid and the patient was discharged on the 5th day. FIG. 1. a, b. Increased cardio-thoracic ratio due to pericardial effusion on chest X-ray (a). CT scan of chest showing large pericardial effusion (see arrow) (b) Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening emergency condition. It is an acute type of pericardial effusion in which fluid accumulates in the intrapericardial space. This creates a mechanical pressure in the cardiac chambers which disrupts cardiac filling. (1). The common causes of pericardial effusion resulting in tamponade are pericarditis, malignancy, acute myocardial infarction, congestive heart failure, collagen vascular diseases, end stage renal disease, viral and bacterial infections (1). Cardiac tamponade secondary to haemopericardium is rarely seen and occurs with traumatic and non-traumatic causes. Non-traumatic causes are less common and associated with a number of conditions such as malignancy, infection, uraemia or coagulopathy (2). Today, warfarin sodium is still the most commonly used agent for anticoagulant therapy. The risk of spontaneous bleeding in patients using warfarin is less than 10%, whereas the risk of bleeding into the pericardial space is less than 1% (3). Echocardiography, which is the diagnostic test of choice, evaluates the haemodynamic consequences and guides transcutaneous drainage; CT is useful for further workup. These methods are superior to echocardiography for anatomical information, characterisation of the effusion, and providing information about the adjacent structures (2). The primary treatment of pericardial tamponade is pericardiocentesis.. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis has been shown to be a safe and effective method which can be performed at the patient’s bedside (4). Isolated haemopericardium and cardiac tamponade secondary to warfarin are seen very rare. Haemorrhagic cardiac tamponade should be excluded in patients on warfarin with unexplained hypotension and excessive anticoagulation. Close monitoring of INR level is very important in the management of patients, especially in the elderly receiving warfarin treatment (5).

Pericardiocentesis Adverse Event Risk Factors: A Nationwide Population-Based Cohort Study

Objectives: Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis has been the leading procedure for diagnosis and therapy of pericardial effusion. We aimed to identify risk factors for recurrence, complications, and mortality in pericardial effusion patients treated with pericardiocentesis. Methods: We identified and collected data from 8,101 patients receiving pericardiocentesis between 1997 and 2010 from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. A multivariate regression model was used to investigate risk factors for recurrence, complications, and death. Results: There were 8,565 admissions among 8,101 patients. The most common underlying condition was malignancy (41%), especially lung cancer (23%), tuberculosis (9.0%), and acute pericarditis (8.2%). Surgical drainage was required in 12.7% of cases. Recurrence was more likely in patients with malignancy (HR 2.20, p < 0.001), but complications were less likely (OR 0.52, p = 0.003). In-hospital death numbers and complication risks (OR 2.38, p < 0.001; OR 1.27, p = 0.01) were greater in the catheter-related cardiac procedure group than in the other groups. Conclusions: Malignant neoplasms and catheter-based cardiac procedures have become major risk factors for adverse events in patients receiving pericardiocentesis in Taiwan. Malignancy leads to an increase in recurrence and in-hospital mortality but is associated with a lower rate of acute complications. Cardiac catheterization procedures and surgery increase both complications and in-hospital mortality. i 2014 S. Karger AG, Basel

Pericardial Effusions in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Characteristics, Prognosis, and Role of Drainage

The presence and size of a pericardial effusion in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and its association with outcome is unclear.In this single-center cohort study of 577 patients with group 1 PAH seen between January 1, 1995, and December 31, 2005, all patients underwent transthoracic echocardiography and were followed for ≥ 5 years. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was performed as needed.Pericardial effusions on index echocardiography occurred in 150 patients (26%); 128 patients had small and 22 had moderate-sized or larger effusions. Most of the moderate or greater effusions occurred in patients who had connective tissue disease (82%). Mean right atrial pressure was 13.4 ± 4.4 mm Hg (no effusion), 15.1 ± 4.4 mm Hg (small effusion), and 17.0 ± 4.0 mm Hg (moderate or greater effusion) (P &lt; .0001). Median survival for patients with moderate or greater effusion, mild effusion, or no effusion was 11.3 months, 42.3 months, and 76.5 months, respectively. Four of the 22 patients with moderate or greater pericardial effusions eventually required echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis because of clinical and echocardiographic evidence of hemodynamic impact. When drained, the effusions were large (858 ± 469 mL) and generally serous. All pericardiocenteses were performed cautiously under echocardiographic guidance by a highly experienced echocardiologist, with low immediate morbidity and mortality.Pericardial effusions are relatively common but rarely of hemodynamic significance in patients with PAH. However, even modest degrees of pericardial fluid are associated with a significant increase in mortality and appear to reflect the presence of associated collagen vascular disease and high right atrial pressure.

Echocardiography‐Guided or “Sided” Pericardiocentesis

Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is the first choice method for relieving cardiac tamponade, but the exact role of the echocardiography at the moment of the puncture is still controversial. In this report, detailed echocardiographic evaluation was performed in 21 consecutive patients with cardiac tamponade just before the pericardiocentesis. Appropriate needle position was determined according to the probe position using imaginary x, y, and z axes. Pericardiocentesis was performed successfully using this technique without simultaneous echocardiography and no complications were observed. We concluded that bedside echocardiography with detailed evaluation of the puncture site and angle is enough for pericardiocentesis instead of real time guiding.

EComment. Surgical or percutaneous pericardiocentesis in symptomatic pericardial effusion

It was with great interest that we read the recent article by Mirhosseini et al. [1]. They aimed to determine the risk factors affecting the survival rate of patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion who underwent surgical interventions. They showed that the underlying malignancy, the presence of a mass on computed tomography and echocardiographic findings compatible with tamponade are the three predictors of postoperative death. We believe that these findings will act as a guide for further studies. Thanks to the authors for their valuable contribution. Several methods have been described for fluid drainage including percutaneous pericardiocentesis, balloon pericardiotomy, or surgical drainage. More recently, echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis has been shown to be a safe and effective method that can be performed at the bedside [2]. Echocardiography is also the primary imaging modality for the diagnosis and clinical follow-up of pericardial effusion, and has some advantages, including high sensitivity and specificity, lack of ionizing radiation, and low cost. All patients in the current study underwent surgical interventions [1]. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis should be performed in patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion, if appropriate. Surgical approach should be recommended only in patients with very large and repeated chronic effusion, and/or if percutaneous therapy was not successful [3]. Conflict of interest: none declared.

Use of Contrast Echocardiography to Detect Displacement of the Needle during Pericardiocentesis

Bedside pericardiocentesis is a safe and routinely practiced procedure. We report a case in which echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was performed urgently for cardiac tamponade. In this case, there was displacement of the periocardiocentesis needle that was only detected by change in the color of aspirated fluid and confirmed by the use of contrast echocardiography. We prescribe the use of routine echocardiographic monitoring during pericardiocentesis to avoid this type of complication.

Echo-Guided Pericardiocentesis

HomeCirculationVol. 123, No. 4Echo-Guided Pericardiocentesis Free AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBAboutView PDFView EPUBSections ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload citationsTrack citationsPermissionsDownload Articles + Supplements ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InMendeleyReddit Jump toSupplementary MaterialsFree AccessResearch ArticlePDF/EPUBEcho-Guided PericardiocentesisLet the Bubbles Show the Way Craig D. Ainsworth, MD, FRCPC and Omid Salehian, MSc, MD, FRCPC, FACC, FAHA Craig D. AinsworthCraig D. Ainsworth From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Search for more papers by this author and Omid SalehianOmid Salehian From the Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Search for more papers by this author Originally published1 Feb 2011https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.110.005512Circulation. 2011;123:e210–e211A 75-year-old man with coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and previous exertional dyspnea related to moderately severe mitral regurgitation from myxomatous degeneration and bileaflet prolapse presented with progressively worsening dyspnea several weeks after undergoing successful mitral and tricuspid valve repair with insertion of annuloplasty rings in addition to 2-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery. On presentation to the hospital he was found to have dyspnea at rest, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated normal left ventricular function, no significant valvular stenosis, or regurgitation and a moderate sized pericardial effusion measuring 1.4 cm anteriorly and 2.7 cm posteriorly (Figure A through C). Significant inferior vena cava dilatation was noted, but no convincing chamber collapse to suggest overt cardiac tamponade. His symptoms persisted with no alternate cause discovered; therefore, therapeutic pericardiocentesis was requested. The location and distribution of pericardial fluid was reestablished, and a lateral apical approach provided the best window to access the effusion. Under echocardiographic guidance, a sheathed needle was inserted into the pericardial space with aspiration of sanguineous fluid. Agitated saline bubbles confirmed that the needle tip was in the pericardial space (Figure D and online-only Data Supplement Movie I). The needle was removed and the sheath advanced. Prior to dilatation, repeat injection of agitated saline revealed bubbles in the right ventricle; therefore, the procedure was stopped (Figure E and online-only Data Supplement Movie II). A subsequent attempt was performed using the same technique, and this resulted in entry of the catheter sheath into the left ventricle (Figure F and online-only Data Supplement Movie III). The procedure was abandoned, and serial echocardiograms showed no worsening of the pericardial effusion.Download figureDownload PowerPointFigure. Transthoracic echocardiogram images obtained before and during attempted pericardiocentesis. (A and B) apical 4-chamber views detailing size and location of pericardial effusion. (C) subcostal view showing posterior fluid collection. (D) agitated saline contrast injected through needle inserted in apical area seen entering pericardial space as imaged from subcostal window. (E and F) subcostal views depicting agitated saline entering right and left ventricular cavities respectively.DiscussionEchocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis has been performed since the late 1970s, when it was first performed at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Echocardiographic guidance for placement of a sheathed catheter into pericardial effusions has supplanted the previously performed blind subxiphoid approach as the preferred procedure for the diagnosis and management of most large or hemodynamically significant pericardial effusions. The blind technique used for years prior to the introduction of echocardiography was associated with exceedingly high rates of morbidity and mortality.1 The echocardiography-guided technique involves indentifying the location and distribution of pericardial fluid and entering with a needle at a point on the chest wall where the largest fluid accumulation is closest to the skin while avoiding vital structures.2 Once the sheathed needle is inserted into the pericardial space, only the sheath is advanced, and the steel needle is removed. Sheath position is routinely verified by instillation of agitated saline through the sheath and imaging from another window. In large, symptomatic, or hemodynamically significant pericardial effusions, this technique is associated with near perfect procedural success rates and low incidence of minor complications (3.5%) or major adverse events requiring intervention (1.2%).2 Our attempted pericardiocentesis initially revealed saline bubbles in the pericardial space but subsequently showed bubbles entering the right and left ventricular cavities. No intervention was required after these inadvertent entries into cardiac chambers. Ultimately, the procedure was abandoned and further attempts were not performed. Although not attempted in our case, real-time echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with a probe-mounted needle has been studied and appears to be very safe, and may be useful for smaller or difficult-to-access effusions.3 The authors of this study argue that constant visualization of the needle during insertion reduces the likelihood of perforating cardiac chambers.This case highlights the importance of administering agitated saline after attempted needle insertion into the pericardial space as to help avoid inadvertently dilating into a ventricular cavity or other undesired space.DisclosuresNone.FootnotesThe online-only Data Supplement is available with this article at http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/full/123/4/e210/DC1.Correspondence to Omid Salehian, MD, Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, McMaster University, 1200 Main Street West, Room 3U8, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8N 3Z5. E-mail [email protected]ca

Fatal Migratory Pulmonary Thromboembolism Following Successful Pericardiocentesis

Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is relatively safe with minimal risk in experienced hands. However, complications can occur because of the procedure. This report describes a unique case of an 84-year-old man with unanticipated fatal pulmonary thromboembolism following a successful pericardiocentesis.

Subxiphoid echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with extended catheter drainage for delayed cardiac tamponade

Subxiphoid echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with extended catheter drainage for delayed cardiac tamponade

Pericardial Effusion After Cardiac Surgery: Risk Factors, Patient Profiles, and Contemporary Management

We aimed to review recent experience at our institution in the diagnosis and treatment of pericardial effusion after cardiac surgery and to identify risk factors for its development. We searched our clinical database for patients 18 years or older who had cardiac surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass from 1993 through 2005. For patients with pericardial effusion (study group), medical records were reviewed to evaluate its manifestations and management. To identify risk factors for effusion, study patients were compared with patients without effusions. A second analysis compared the study group with a cohort without effusions who had routine postoperative echocardiographic examination. Of 21,416 patients identified, 327 (1.5%) had pericardial effusion (study group), 280 (86%) of whom had nonspecific symptoms. Clinical features of tamponade were documented in 138 patients (42%). Effusions were evacuated by echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis (n = 169, 52%) or surgical drainage (n = 75, 23%). Effusion resolved after left thoracocentesis for pleural effusion in 3 patients (1%); 67 patients (20%) were treated conservatively. In 13 cases (4%), recurrent effusion required drainage after initial pericardiocentesis. Independent risk factors for effusion were larger body surface area, pulmonary thromboembolism, hypertension, immunosuppression, renal failure, urgency of operation, cardiac operation other than coronary artery bypass grafting, and prolonged cardiopulmonary bypass. Previous cardiac operations were associated with lower risk of effusion. In our study, pericardial effusion occurred in 1.5% of patients, and symptoms were nonspecific. Several factors, mainly related to preoperative characteristics and type of operation, predispose patients to effusion. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is effective and safe in these patients.

Cardiac Tamponade and Superior Vena Cava Syndrome in Lung Cancer

A combination of pericardial effusion with cardiac tamponade and superior vena caval syndrome is an unusual first presentation of carcinoma of lung, although cardiac involvement is often a late finding in widespread malignancy. Clinical identification can be difficult antemortem. Accurate diagnosis and prompt intervention are necessary to prevent adverse outcomes. Decisions regarding treatment must take into account the clinical presentation and echocardiographic findings. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis with catheter drainage and/or pericardial window is the primary treatment strategy of choice for most large or hemodynamically significant effusions. New cardiac symptoms or classic findings of cardiac tamponade should prompt aggressive investigation. We present a case of adenocarcinoma of the lung that initially presented as pericardial effusion with tamponade and superior vena cava syndrome. The patient had all the clinical features of tamponade such as pulsus paradoxus, tachycardia, elevated jugular venous pressure, hypotension, and electrical alternans on surface electrocardiography. The findings were confirmed on echocardiography and computed tomography of chest, both of which allowed for rapid confirmation of the presence of an effusion and compression of the superior vena cava. The existing literature on the subject is succinctly reviewed.