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Dialysis catheter associated cardiac tamponade: quick diagnosis by extemporaneous echocardiography

R Ervo1, S Angeletti, L Turrini Dertenois

  • 1Dialysis Unit, St. Charles Hospital, Bordighera-Ventimiglia, Italy. dialisi.ventimiglia@asl1.liguria.it

The Journal of Vascular Access
|April 2, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Pericardial tamponade can occur during central venous catheter exchange for hemodialysis. Rapid diagnosis via echocardiogram enabled timely treatment and positive patient outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Nephrology
  • Medical Device Complications

Background:

  • Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for hemodialysis (HD).
  • Catheter exchange procedures carry inherent risks, including vascular injury.
  • Pericardial tamponade is a rare but life-threatening complication.

Observation:

  • A patient undergoing over-the-wire CVC exchange for HD developed pericardial tamponade.
  • The complication was identified using an immediate echocardiogram with a linear probe.
  • Initial laboratory and radiologic tests were not yet available to confirm the diagnosis.

Findings:

  • Echocardiography provided rapid and accurate diagnosis of pericardial tamponade.
  • The bedside ultrasound approach facilitated prompt clinical decision-making.
  • Timely intervention led to a successful therapeutic outcome.

Implications:

  • Highlights the critical role of point-of-care ultrasound in diagnosing emergent complications.
  • Emphasizes the need for vigilance during CVC manipulation in hemodialysis patients.
  • Suggests echocardiography as a valuable tool for early detection of CVC-related pericardial effusion and tamponade.

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