Cardiac tamponade complicating thoracentesis in a patient after left pneumonectomy: A case report

Therapeutic or diagnostic thoracentesis is widely used in different clinical settings. Cardiac injury, a rare complication, could lead to fatal consequences. We describe a case of cardiac tamponade complicating thoracentesis that was recognized and rescued in a timely manner.

A 42-year-old woman underwent blind thoracentesis due to excessive left pleural effusion after left pneumonectomy surgery. She suddenly lost consciousness and was in a state of shock a few minutes after needle insertion and fluid drainage.

Bedside transthoracic echocardiography revealed pericardial effusion at a depth of 20 mm, and cardiac tamponade complicating thoracentesis was diagnosed.

After draining 250 mL of non-coagulated blood by pericardiocentesis under transthoracic echocardiography guidance, a tube was placed for continuous drainage over the subsequent 36 hours.

The patient's hemodynamic condition was stabilized hours after pericardiocentesis. The patient was discharged in good condition a few days later.

Imaging assessment and guidance in the process of thoracentesis was indispensable, especially in a patient with altered intra-thoracic anatomy. Cardiac damage, as a life-threatening complication, should be considered once hemodynamic instability occurs during the procedure.