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Pericardiocentesis: ultrasound guidance is essential

Pablo Blanco^1,2, Liliana Figueroa^3,4, María Fernanda Menéndez³

¹High-Dependency Unit (UCIM), Hospital "Dr. Emilio Ferreyra", 4801, 59 Ave., 7630, Necochea, Argentina. ohtusabes@gmail.com.

The Ultrasound Journal

|February 14, 2022

Abstract

Background:

Pericardial effusion is a common entity which may have important implications in patient's prognosis. In several cases, pericardiocentesis is indicated for diagnostic and/or therapeutic purposes.

Case Presentation:

A blind pericardiocentesis failed in a 95-year-old woman admitted to the emergency department with a large pericardial effusion incidentally diagnosed in the ambulatory setting. Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis aided in easily accessing to the pericardial cavity, without periprocedural complications.

Conclusions:

Ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis is simple, safe and effective, and should replace the blind technique. This procedure should be part of the armamentarium of ultrasound-guided practices of emergency or critical care physicians.

Keywords:

Pericardial effusion Pericardiocentesis Point-of-care Ultrasonography

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