Successful Computed Tomography-guided Pericardiocentesis after Performing a Failed Conventional Transthoracic Echocardiography-guided Approach: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction

Computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis has been shown to be technically feasible and safe for treating pericardial effusion. However, no recommendations for computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis have been made and standardized among the established guidelines by the European Society of Cardiology or the Japanese Circulation Society. We report on a case of successful computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis after performing a failed conventional transthoracic echocardiography-guided approach in a patient with cardiac tamponade.

Case Report

A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with progressive chest discomfort and cardiac tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was primarily performed on the patient; however, the quality of the transthoracic echocardiography images was inadequate to guide the procedure, resulting in procedure-related pericardial injury. When cardiac tamponade recurred, a computed tomography-guided approach successfully treated the patient, with the success owed to precise intraoperative visualization of the needle and organs.

Conclusion

Our case suggests that computed tomography guidance is safe and useful in pericardiocentesis, especially for patients who are ineligible to undergo an echo-guided approach.

Keywords

• pericardiocentesis,computed tomography

Successful Computed Tomography-guided Pericardiocentesis after Performing a Failed Conventional Transthoracic Echocardiography-guided Approach: A Case Report

Abstract

Introduction: Computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis has been shown to be technically feasible and safe for treating pericardial effusion. However, no recommendations for computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis have been made and standardized among the established guidelines by the European Society of Cardiology or the Japanese Circulation Society. We report on a case of successful computed tomography-guided pericardiocentesis after performing a failed conventional transthoracic echocardiography-guided approach in a patient with cardiac tamponade.

Case Report: A 71-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with progressive chest discomfort and cardiac tamponade. Transthoracic echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was primarily performed on the patient; however, the quality of the transthoracic echocardiography images was inadequate to guide the procedure, resulting in procedure-related pericardial injury. When cardiac tamponade recurred, a computed tomography-guided approach successfully treated the patient, with the success owed to precise intraoperative visualization of the needle and organs.

Conclusion: Our case suggests that computed tomography guidance is safe and useful in pericardiocentesis, especially for patients who are ineligible to undergo an echo-guided approach.

Keywords

• Pericardiocentesis,Computed Tomography

References

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