Temporary cardiac tamponade secondary to chest tube placement for pneumothorax.
A 87-year-old woman was hospitalised because of a third-degree atrioventricular block. After the insertion of a temporary pacemaker lead through the left subclavian vein, she developed an ipsilateral pneumothorax. Although there were clinical and echocardiographic signs of cardiac tamponade after chest tube placement for pneumothorax, a second echocardiogram performed after transportation for surgical drainage failed to demonstrate the presence of any pericardial fluid, while the patient showed an unexpected clinical improvement. A new X-ray showed a collection of left pleural fluid. Over the following days a limited amount of blood was drained through the tube with disappearance of the pleural effusion and no further signs of major bleeding. A permanent DDD pacemaker was subsequently implanted and the patient was discharged in a good condition.
Evdoridis
Constantinos
C
Cardiology Department, Elpis General Hospital, Athens, Greece. cevdor@otenet.gr
Lazaros
Georgios
G
Rali
Dionysia
D
Alexadris
Athanasios
A
Bonoris
Petros
P
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002305:Cardiac Tamponade / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000209:etiology; D011030:Pneumothorax / Q000601:surgery*; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013997:Time Factors