Pericardial effusion complicated by percutaneous central venous catheterization treated with pericardial window in a very low birth weight infant

Abstract

Percutaneous central venous catheters (PCVCs) provide parenteral nutrition to extremely low birth weight infants. Incorrect PCVC tip location and hyperosmolarity of total parenteral nutrition may lead to pericardial effusion, which has a high mortality rate. When imaging shows a curvature or loop in the catheter tip, pericardial effusion must be considered. Emergency pericardiocentesis and surgical pericardial window as treatments for pericardial effusion show no differences in mortality and complication rates in adults, but no studies have been performed in neonates. Here, we report a very low birth weight infant with pericardial effusion treated by surgical pericardial window.