Transient Biventricular Dysfunction Following Pericardiocentesis for Cardiac Tamponade
M. Akrim *
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
B. Dihi
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
M. Camara
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
M. El Jamili
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
S. El Karimi
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
D. Benzarouel
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
M. El Hattaoui
Cardiology Department, Mohammed VI University Hospital, Marrakech Morocco.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS) is an unusual, potentially fatal complication that occurs after pericardial drainage for cardiac tamponade. either by needle pericardiocentesis or surgical pericardiostomy. It manifests with paradoxical hemodynamic deterioration and/or pulmonary edema, commonly associated with ventricular dysfunction. PDS usually begins after initial clinical amelioration after pericardiocentesis. It is largely under-reported and may be neglected in clinical practice. While the precise mechanisms behind PDS are not well understood, it seems to be strongly related to patients with preexisting ventricular dysfunction. Doctors who perform pericardial drainage should be mindful of the associated high-risk factors for the intervention, taking into consideration the uncommon possibility of PDS formation.
Keywords: Pericardial decompression syndrome, cardiac tamponade, post-pericardial drainage low cardiac output syndrome, paradoxical hemodynamic instability