Cardiac tamponade following acupuncture

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Interventional Medicine
• Acupuncture Research

Background:

• Acupuncture is a widely used complementary therapy known for its general safety.
• Complications, though rare, can occur and may be severe.
• Sternum acupuncture, while less common, carries specific risks due to anatomical proximity to the heart.

Observation:

• An 83-year-old woman experienced syncope and cardiogenic shock immediately following sternal acupuncture.
• Echocardiography identified cardiac tamponade, with pericardiocentesis confirming hemopericardium.

Findings:

• A small, actively bleeding perforation of the right ventricle was diagnosed during thoracotomy.
• The cardiac perforation was successfully surgically repaired, stabilizing the patient.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of anatomical awareness and careful technique in acupuncture, particularly near vital organs.
• Practitioners must be prepared for rare but potentially fatal adverse events associated with acupuncture.
• Further research into risk mitigation strategies for acupuncture near the sternum is warranted.