A clinical analysis of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants / 中国当代儿科杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To study the clinical features of pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization in preterm infants.@*METHODS@#A retrospective analysis was performed on 11 preterm infants with pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization. Their catheterization features, manifestations, treatment, and prognosis were analyzed.@*RESULTS@#A total of 11 preterm infants (11/2 599, 0.42%) developed pericardial effusion, with a mean gestational age of (30.1±2.6) weeks and a mean birth weight of (1 240±234) g. Pericardial effusion mostly occurred within 4 days after central venous catheterization (10 cases, 91%). The main manifestations included poor response (6/11, 55%), cyanosis (5/11, 45%), increased respiratory rate (6/11, 55%), increased heart rate (6/11, 55%), aggravated dyspnea (5/11, 45%), and muffled heart sound (5/11, 45%). At the time of disease progression, 7 preterm infants (64%) had a deep position of the end of the catheter, 3 preterm infants (27%) had a correct position, and 1 preterm infant (9%) had a shallow position. Five preterm infants (45%) experienced cardiac tamponade, among whom 4 underwent pericardiocentesis. Seven preterm infants were given conservative medical treatment. Among the 11 children, 2 (18%) died and 9 (82%) improved.@*CONCLUSIONS@#Pericardial effusion caused by central venous catheterization mostly occurs in the early stage of catheterization and has critical clinical manifestations. Pericardiocentesis is required for cardiac tamponade, and early diagnosis and intervention can effectively improve prognosis.

Taponamiento cardíaco por hemopericardio atraumático / Nontraumatic hemopericardium and cardiac tamponade

Objetivo: el taponamiento cardiaco por causas clínicas es una entidad rara y de difícil diagnóstico. Metodología: se reporta el caso de una paciente atendida en el nivel de mediana complejidad por taponamiento cardiaco de origen oncológico de novo. Se analiza la fisiopatología del derrame, causas etiológicas del taponamiento cardiaco, presentación clínica, valor de las ayudas diagnósticas a la mano en estos casos y las utilizadas en situaciones especiales, así como el manejo de esta patología

Objective: Cardiac tamponade for clinical causes is a rare and difficult to diagnose entity. Methodology: we report the case of a female patient treated at a mid-level hospital for cardiac tamponade due to de novo metastatic disease. The physiopathology of the effusion, etiological causes, clinical manifestations, value of diagnostic aids available for these cases and those used in special situations, as well as the management of this pathology, were analyzed

Tratamiento quirúrgico de la pericarditis purulenta: reporte de un caso / Surgical treatment of purulent pericarditis: report of a case

Resumen Introducción: La pericarditis es la enfermedad del pericardio más presente en la práctica médica. La pericarditis purulenta representa el 5% de ellas, con una mortalidad de hasta el 40%. Caso Clínico: Se presenta un paciente masculino, de 27 años de edad, con antecedentes de hipotiroidismo que ingresa con tos y expectoración amarillenta, asociado a fiebre, que resolvió con tratamiento antibiótico. Un mes después, reingresa con dolor abdominal, astenia y disnea intensa que no tolera el decúbito. Se indica ecocardiograma, que diagnostica derrame pericárdico severo, con colapso de cavidades derechas. Se procedió a pericardiocentesis de emergencia, donde se extrajeron 450 mililitros de líquido purulento. En el seguimiento ecocardiográfico a las 48 h, se observa aumento del derrame, por lo que se decide tratamiento quirúrgico, mediante toracotomía anterolateral izquierda, encontrando derrame purulento y engrosamiento pericárdico de 6 mm, con múltiples adherencias. Se indica pericardiectomía parcial. El paciente evolucionó favorablemente, egresándose 7 días posteriores a la cirugía.

Introduction: Pericarditis is frecuent pericardial disease in medical practice. The purulent pericarditis represents 5%, with a mortality of up to 40%. Case Report: We present a male patient, 27 years old, with a history of hypothyroidism that enters with cough and yellowish expectoration, associated with fever, resolved with antibiotic treatment. One month later, he reenters with abdominal pain, asthenia and intense dyspnea that does not tolerate decubitus. Echocardiogram diagnosed severe pericardial effusion, with collapse of right cavities. Emergency pericardiocentesis was performed and 450 milliliters of purulent fluid were extracted. In the echocardiographic follow-up at 48 hours, an increase in the effusion was observed, was decided surgical treatment by left anterolateral thoracotomy, finding purulent effusion and pericardial thickening of 6 mm, with multiple adhesions. Partial pericardiectomy is indicated. The patient evolved favorably, leaving 7 days after surgery.

Modificaciones a la técnica clásica de pericardiotomía inferior longitudinal simple de Sauerbruch / Modifications to the classic simple-longitudinal inferior pericardiotomy (Sauerbruch technique)

RESUMEN Desde la década de 1960 la pericardiotomía subxifoidea se ha convertido en uno de los procedimientos quirúrgicos preferidos para evacuar, de forma rápida y segura, derrames pericárdicos de múltiples etiologías, obtener biopsias, colocar electrodos epicárdicos, e incluso reparar perforaciones cardíacas. Erróneamente existe la creencia de que esta cirugía requiere instrumental quirúrgico específico y personal especialmente entrenado; pero lo cierto es que todo médico que labore en un servicio de emergencia debe conocer la técnica y estar preparado para realizarla rápidamente. Desde que se describió la incisión longitudinal, originalmente con la intención de reparar una herida cardíaca a través del diafragma, varios autores han intentado simplificar la técnica mediante la introducción de innovaciones. En este trabajo se presentan algunas sencillas maniobras que pueden facilitar el abordaje subxifoideo al pericardio y acortar el tiempo de cirugía.

ABSTRACT Since the 1960s, subxyphoid pericardiotomy has become one of the preferred surgical procedures for rapidly and safely evacuating pericardial effusions of different etiologies, obtaining biopsies, placing epicardial electrodes, and even repairing cardiac perforations. This surgery is erroneously thought to require specific surgical instruments and specially trained personnel; but the plain fact is that any doctor working in an emergency department must know the technique and be ready to perform it at any time. Since the longitudinal incision was described, originally attempting to repair a cardiac wound through the diaphragm, some authors have tried to simplify the procedure through innovations. In this article we present some simple maneuvers that may facilitate subxiphoid pericardial access and shorten the surgery time.

Disappearance of pericardial effusion by suspected pericardial-pleural fistulain a Miniature Schnauzer dog / 대한수의학회지

A 13-year-old spayed female Miniature Schnauzer was presented with complaints of intermittent syncope. Pericardial effusion was confirmed based on the physical examination, thoracic radiographs and echocardiography. Subsequently, prompt pericardiocentesis was performed. Clinical abnormalities were immediately improved after pericardiocentesis. However, the clinical signs associated with acute collapse recurred. After the second pericardiocentesis, thoracic radiographs revealed pleural effusion, and the clinical signs resolved rapidly. The dog underwent pleural aspiration. Analysis of pleural fluid revealed almost similar features as the previous pericardial fluid. It was possible that a pericardial-pleural fistula was created during the pericardiocentesis. The pericardial and pleural effusion disappeared after the procedures.

Efficacy and Safety Outcomes of Catheter Ablation of Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation in Korean Practice: Analysis of Nationwide Claims Data

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness and selected adverse events of radiofrequency catheter ablation in patients treated for drug-refractory atrial fibrillation (AF) using claims data provided by the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, which covers all ablation procedures conducted in South Korea. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: The study population included patients who underwent catheter ablation for AF between January 2011 and December 2013. A total of 3,850 patients without a previous history of catheter ablation procedure were enrolled. We analyzed 2-year effectiveness of the index ablation. Any redo ablation, electrical cardioversion, or use of antiarrhythmic drug beyond the blanking period of 3 months was considered a failure of index ablation. RESULTS: Overall recurrence rate following AF ablation was 61.1%. The recurrence rate was lower in patients under 65 years old than in those over 65 years old (hazard ratio [HR] 0.89; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.81 to 0.97, P=0.009). Repeat ablation was more frequent in men (HR 1.56; 95% CI, 1.20 to 2.04; P=0.001) and patients under 65 years old (HR 1.79; 95% CI, 1.34 to 2.38; P < 0.001). Electric cardioversion was more frequent in men (HR 1.35; 95% CI, 1.06 to 1.72; P=0.014) than in women. The overall rate of stroke, blood transfusion, significant pericardial complication, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation was 0.5%, 4.8%, 2.7%, and 0.2%, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: In the present study, old age was associated with treatment failure of catheter ablation for drug-refractory AF in the Korean population. Overall recurrence did not vary with respect to sex.

Derrame pericárdico maligno secundario a adenocarcinoma de pulmón: Reporte de caso / Malignant Pericardial Effusion Secondary to Lung Adenocarcinoma: Case Report

Introduction: Malignant pericardial effusion is the accumulation of liquid in the pericardial space secondary to advanced stage neoplasia, becoming in an indicator of bad prognosis. Malignant tumors that are most often related to this entity are the ones from pulmonary, mammary, and hematolymphoid origin. Clinically, it may present imminent signs of cardiac tamponade and hemodynamic instability, so that it merits an early diagnosis and management with emerging decompression maneuvers. Objective: This article presents a malignant pericardial effusion case, since this clinical condition implies a diagnostic challenge. Case presentation and Conclusions: A case of a 63 year old male patient is presented. He has one month of clinical evolution characterized by cervical adenopathies, also in the past fifteen days has been presenting precocious satiety, nocturnal sweating, sensation of distended abdomen, and functional class deterioration to having dyspnea during small physical efforts. This was the reason why he went to the emergency room. During the medical observation, the patient quickly deteriorates to hemodynamic instability, refractory to treatment. Some imaging studies were performed, which show severe pericardial effusion so a decompressive pericardiocentesis and a multidisciplinary integral management were performed...(AU)

Introducción: El derrame pericárdico maligno es la acumulación de líquido en el espacio pericárdico secundario a neoplasias en estadios avanzados, siendo así, un indicador de mal pronóstico. Los tumores malignos que con mayor frecuencia se relacionan con esta entidad son los de origen pulmonar, mamario y hematolinfoides. Clínicamente puede cursar con signos inminentes de taponamiento cardiaco e inestabilidad hemodinámica, por lo que amerita un diagnóstico temprano y manejo urgente con maniobras de descompresión. Objetivo: Este articulo busca presentar un caso de derrame pericárdico maligno, debido a que esta condición clínica implica un reto diagnóstico. Presentación del caso y conclusiones: Presentamos el caso de un paciente masculino de 63 años de edad, con cuadro clínico de 1 mes de evolución, caracterizado por presencia de adenopatías cervicales, quien en los últimos 15 días presenta saciedad precoz, sudoración nocturna, sensación de distensión abdominal y deterioro de la clase funcional hasta disnea de pequeños esfuerzos, motivo por el cual consulta al servicio de urgencias. Durante la observación médica rápidamente progresa a inestabilidad hemodinámica, refractaria a manejo; se realizan estudios imagenológicos, en donde se evidencia derrame pericárdico severo, por lo que se procede a realizar pericardiocentesis descompresiva emergente y manejo integral multidisciplinario...(AU)

Introdução: o derrame pericárdico maligno é o acúmulo de líquido no espaço pericárdico secundário a neoplasias em estádios avançados, sendo, portanto, um indicador de mau prognóstico. Os tumores malignos, frequentemente associados a esta categoría, são aqueles de origem pulmonar, mamária e hematolinfóides. Clinicamente, podem apresentar sinais iminentes de tamponamento cardíaco e instabilidade hemodinâmica, o que justifica um diagnóstico precoce e tratamento urgente com manejo de descompressão. Objetivo: Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um caso de derrame pericárdico maligno, pois esta condição clínica implica um desafio diagnóstico. Apresentação e conclusões do caso: apresentamos o caso de um paciente do sexo masculino de 63 anos, com o quadro clínico de 1 mês de evolução, caracterizado pela presença de linfadenopatia cervical, que nos últimos 15 dias apresenta saciedade precoce, sudação noturna, distensão abdominal e deterioração da classe funcional até a dispnéia de pequenos esforços, motivo pelo qual consulta o serviço de emergência. Durante a observação médica, ele progride rapidamente para a instabilidade hemodinâmica, refratária ao manejo; Estudos de imagem são realizados, nos quais o derrame pericárdico grave é evidente, por isso é necessário realizar pericardiocentese descompressiva emergente e gerenciamento integral multidisciplinar...(AU)

Emergency department point-of-care ultrasonography improves time to pericardiocentesis for clinically significant effusions

OBJECTIVE: Our objective was to determine the utility of point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) to identify and guide treatment of tamponade or clinically significant pericardial effusions in the emergency department (ED). METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of non-trauma patients who were diagnosed with large pericardial effusions or tamponade by the ED physician using POCUS. The control group was composed of those patients later diagnosed on the medical wards or incidentally in the ED by other means such as a computed tomography. The following data were abstracted from the patient’s file: demographics, medical background, electrocardiogram results, chest radiograph readings, echocardiogram results, and patient outcomes. RESULTS: There were 18 patients in the POCUS arm and 55 in the control group. The POCUS arm had a decreased time to pericardiocentesis (11.3 vs. 70.2 hours, P=0.055) as well as a shorter length of stay (5.1 vs. 7.0 days, P=0.222). A decreased volume of pericardial fluid was drained (661 vs. 826 mL, P=0.139) in the group diagnosed by POCUS. CONCLUSION: This study suggests that POCUS may effectively identify pericardial effusions and guide appropriate treatment, leading to a decreased time to pericardiocentesis and decreased length of hospital stay. Pericardial tamponade or a large pericardial effusion should be considered in all patients presenting to the ED with clinical, radiographic, or electrocardiographic signs of cardiovascular compromise.

Hemorrhagic pericarditis associated with rivaroxaban in an atrial fibrillation patient with pacemaker

Rivaroxaban is a new oral anticoagulant used for the prevention of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation. Hemorrhagic pericarditis is known to occur with rivaroxaban; however, only a few case reports in the literature describe such events. Recently, we experienced hemorrhagic pericarditis that treated with rivaroxaban for anticoagulation of newly diagnosed, non valvular AF patients with pacemaker. An 83 year old male with permanent pacemaker receiving rivaroxaban 20 mg daily once for 3 months presented at our emergency department complaining of exertional dyspnea. ECG showed intermittent atrial pacing failure and echocardiography showed large amount of pericardial effusion. After urgent pericardiocentesis, which resulted in removal of 500cc bloody fluid, there was an immediate and dramatic improvement in the patient's clinical state. He was discharged without anticoagulation therapy due to concern for further bleeding. This case highlight the potential for bleeding complications associated with novel anticoagulants. Rivaroxaban is being used with increasing frequently in outpatient care. However, no available laboratory test specifically measures the anticoagulant effect of rivaroxaban. Also, in the events of serious bleeding, no specific antidotes, reversal agents were available. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of hemopericardium in patients treated with anticoagulants, including rivaroxaban who presented with cardiomegaly.

Early Detection of Hidden Adenocarcinoma through the Prompt Pericardiocentesis in Patient with Small Pericardial Effusion / 이화의대지

Pericardial drainage is an important diagnostic and therapeutic option in the symptomatic patient with large amount of pericardial effusion (PE). However, when the amount of PE is relatively small, physicians are often reluctant to perform the invasive drainage of the fluid due to the increased risk of causing myocardial injury during the procedure. Even in some cases of suspected pericarditis with small amount PE, an initial empirical anti-inflammatory therapy is often recommended. A 65-year-old woman presented with mild dyspnea for two weeks. The echocardiography revealed small amount of PE. A careful fluoroscopy-guided pericardiocentesis, subsequent pericardial fluid cytology, and thorough whole body check-up demonstrated adenocarcinoma with no proven primary site. After the palliative chemotherapy, she had survived for 15 months until her death due to asphyxia. Although pericardiocentesis is considered dangerous in small amount of PE, a prompt and careful drainage may provide early detection of hidden malignancy and better survival outcome.

Tension Pneumopericardium after Pericardiocentesis

Pneumopericardium is defined as the presence of air inside the pericardial space. Usually, it is reported as a complication of blunt or penetrating chest trauma, but rare iatrogenic and spontaneous cases have been reported. Pneumopericardium is relatively stable if it does not generate a tension effect on the heart. However, it may progress to tension pneumopericardium, which requires immediate pericardial aspiration. We report a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium occurred in a 70-year-old man who presented dyspnea at emergency department. The patient underwent pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade due to large pericardial effusion, and iatrogenic tension pneumopericardium occurred due to misuse of the drainage device. After evacuating the pericardial air through the previously implanted catheter, the patient became stable. We report this case to increase the awareness of this fatal condition and to help increase the use of precautions against the development of this condition during emergency procedures.

Pneumopericardium: A Rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis

Pneumopericardium is defined by the presence of air in the pericardial cavity. It is a rare entity occurring most commonly after trauma. Pneumopericardium resulting after pericardiocentesis is even rarer. We report a case of 46-year-old man, with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis and who developed a large circumferential pericardial effusion of 40 mm in diastole with swinging heart and diastolic right atrium collapse requiring pericardiocentesis. Few days after, the patient complained of pleuritic chest pain and echocardiogram revealed several tiny sparkling echogenic spots swirling in the pericardial sac. Computed tomography scans revealed a marked anterior pneumopericardium that was conservatively managed.

Successful Healing of the Myocardial Rupture Complicated by the Occlusion of a Single Diagonal Branch / 대한내과학회지

Myocardial rupture is a rare but lethal complication of myocardial infarction. Immediate conservative management is critical, but surgery should be considered if the patient's hemodynamic state and degree of hemopericardium do not improve after pericardiocentesis. In this case, a 54-year old patient without underlying disease came to the emergency after experiencing chest pain for two weeks with suddenly aggravated severe dyspnea. The patient was found to have a hemopericardium with cardiac tamponade, so pericardiocentesis was immediately executed. Transthoracic echocardiogram revealed akinesia of the left ventricular muscle and focal wall thinning. The patient was diagnosed with complete occlusion of a single diagonal branch and ventricular free wall rupture using a coronary computed tomography scan. After conservative treatment, vital signs and cardiac function stabilized, and there was no definitive sequela. This case is clinically significant because myocardial rupture, a lethal complication of myocardial infarction, was successfully managed with non-surgical, conservative treatment.

Uremic Pericarditis Accompanying Cardiac Tamponade after Emergency Hemodialysis / 계명의대학술지

Although the incidence of uremic pericarditis was high in the past, it has decreased in recent decades with early and appropriate dialysis. However, cardiac tamponade caused by uremic pericarditis is still a life-threatening emergency and it requires urgent management. Herein we report a case of 38-year-old man with chronic renal disease who represented critical uremic pericarditis followed by cardiac tamponade despite of appropriate hemodialysis. Careful consideration of risk factors and aggressive treatment are very important for effective and safe treatment of uremic pericarditis and cardiac tamponade.

Hemopericardium and Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient Treated with Dabigatran Etexilate

Dabigatran etexilate is one of the new oral anticoagulants approved to reduce the risk of stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). A variety of bleeding complications with dabigatran have been reported, but reports of hemopericardium are rare. We described a case of a 66 year-old female patient with non-valvular AF receiving dabigatran etexilate 150 mg twice daily for one year who suffered from hemopericardium. Her laboratory tests performed 1 year prior were normal and her admission tests revealed acute renal failure and elevated international normalized ratio (INR) level (4.79). Urgent pericardiocentesis was followed by improved renal functions and normalized INR. Dabigatran etexilate is a new oral anticoagulant that is increasingly used in daily practice. However, life-threatening complications warrant caution. Elevated INR may be related with overdose but the association of bleeding risk of dabigatran and INR requires further confirmation.

A "Vanishing", Tuberculous, Pericardial Effusion

We present an iatrogenic, pleuro-pericardial connection resulting from pericardiocentesis of a large, tuberculous, pericardial effusion. Recognition of this situation is paramount when one is unable to aspirate pericardial fluid after a successful, initial puncture. Such knowledge will help prevent myocardial or coronary artery injury with further attempts at aspiration.

Cardiac Tamponade and Pericarditis in Type B Intramural Hematoma: a Case Report / 대한내과학회지

We report the case of a patient with cardiac tamponade and pericarditis in type B intramural hematoma. A 75-year-old woman was admitted to the emergency department presenting with general weakness and dizziness for several hours and hemodynamic collapse. Thoracic echocardiography and computed tomography (CT) showed a large pericardial effusion and aortic intramural hematoma but no evidence of aortic dissection. Therefore, we concluded that the intramural hematoma did not involve the ascending aorta and thus immediately performed pericardiocentesis. Follow-up CT showed no pericardial effusion or specific changes in the range or depth of the intramural hematoma, and she was discharged continuing colchicines and ibuprofen therapy for acute pericarditis. Cardiac tamponade in type B intramural hematoma is extremely rare. Prompt diagnosis and initial treatment resulted in a substantial improvement in clinical status.

Right Ventricular Rupture Caused by Prolonged Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation after Sudden Cardiac Arrest / 대한내과학회지

A 46-year-old male arrived at the emergency department with acute dyspnea. On the way to the hospital, heart massage was performed in the ambulance due to asystole on electrocardiography. After 2 hr of resuscitation, sinus rhythm was restored. Extracorporeal life support and an intra-aortic balloon pump were applied due to cardiogenic shock, but the patient showed sustained hypotension. Echocardiography showed moderate pericardial effusion with physiological evidence of cardiac tamponade; emergency pericardiocentesis was performed, which produced bloody pericardial fluid. An explorative sternotomy revealed a massive hematoma in the mediastinum and right ventricular (RV) free wall rupture. After primary repair, echocardiography showed improved left ventricular systolic function and the patient was stable clinically. This case presents RV free wall rupture as an unusual complication of prolonged heart massage. Heart rupture should be considered in hemodynamically unstable patients after prolonged heart massage.

Central Venous Catheter-related Cardiac Tamponade in Premature Infants: A Report of Two Cases and a Literature Review / 대한주산의학회잡지

Although central catheter-related complications are frequently reported and are inevitable in the neonatal care unit, the incidence of pericardiac tamponade is low but may be fatal. Index of suspicion, prompt diagnosis, and urgent pericardiocentesis are crucial for lifesaving. We encountered two premature cases of central venous catheter-related pericardial tamponade. The first case was a 4-day-old male premature infant (gestational age [GA], 33(+5) weeks; birth weight [BW], 1,864 g), and the second case was a 4-day-old female premature infant (GA, 28(+6) week; BW, 1,050 g). Each infant had an indwelling central venous catheter since birth and at the third day of hospitalization. The conditions of the babies suddenly deteriorated, but both babies were successfully resuscitated with urgent echocardiography and prompt pericardiocentesis.