Infection complicating intrapericardial steroid instillation in uremic pericarditis

Short-term, indwelling, percutaneous pericardiocentesis for drainage with local steroid instillation has been advocated for refractive uremic pericarditis. It is reported to be almost universally successful and to cause only minor complications. We describe a patient in whom this technique lead to purulent pericarditis (Staphylococcus aureus) requiring pericardiectomy.