[Pericardial tamponade following extraction of a pacemaker electrode]

A case of pericardial tamponade in a male patient secondary to the removal of an epicardial pacemaker wire is reported, resulting in rapid circulatory deterioration. Sternotomy with subsequent pericardectomy immediately relieved the compression of the heart. The postoperative period was complicated by a cerebral infarction on the third postoperative day, probably caused by cardiac embolism while the role of intraoperative hypotension is uncertain.