[Cardiac tamponade in a patient undergoing parenteral nutrition]

We report a case of cardiac tamponade (CT) following a central venous catheterization with a polyethylene catheter, which perforated the myocardial wall during total parenteral nutrition (TPN). Our patient survived due to aspiration of 380 ml of the TPN solution through the catheter. The most significant clinical data was the development of a critical circulatory shock. Jugular distention was not observed nor suggestive radiological signs and the diagnosis was confirmed by radiological contrast injection through the catheter. CT is one of the most serious complications of central venous catheterization. Its occurrence is lower than 1% but it has a mortality rate of nearly 65%.