The disappearing pericardial effusion: a pericardial-pleural fistula.
We report a case of rapid resolution of a pericardial effusion and development of a pleural effusion after pericardiocentesis in an 83-year-old man admitted for increasing dyspnea. We hypothesize that during the procedure, a pericardial-pleural fistula was created during either the insertion of the needle or the guide wire advancement. This case highlights an unusual complication of pericardiocentesis and the importance of two-dimensional echocardiography surveillance.
Winter
Matthew
M
Department of Cardiology, Flinders Medical Centre, South Australia, Australia.
Lim
Iefan
I
Joseph
Majo
M
D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010490:Pericardial Effusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D010996:Pleural Effusion / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D014463:Ultrasonography