title: Thoracentesis in pericardial and pleural effusion caused by central venous catheterization: a less invasive neonatal approach.
abstract: An 840 g infant developed a rapid onset of shock-like symptoms. Pericardial and pleural effusions from an indwelling central catheter were diagnosed via echocardiography. A thoracentesis was promptly performed with immediate clinical improvement. The fluid withdrawn from the pleural space was analysed as hyperalimentation. The infant survived because of early diagnosis and aggressive therapeutic intervention. A pericardial effusion should be drained if there is cardiovascular compromise and because pericardiocentesis represents a high risk technique, attempts should be made to rectify the extravasation via thoracentesis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neonatology and Neonatal Intensive Care, Anna Meyer, Children's Hospital, University of Florence, Florence, Italy. m.pignotti@meyer.it
authors.forename: Maria Serenella
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Pignotti
authors.forename: Andrea
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Messeri
authors.forename: Gianpaolo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Donzelli
mesh_terms: D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects; D005119:Extravasation of Diagnostic and Therapeutic Materials / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D019152:Paracentesis; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000009:adverse effects; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000628:therapy*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000628:therapy*