Should Emergent Pericardiocentesis Be Added to Pediatric ICU Training?

Abstract

Purulent pericarditis can be rapidly fatal if not diagnosed and treated promptly. We present a case of purulent pericarditis that progressed to cardiac tamponade, necessitating emergent bedside pericardiocentesis. Currently, pericardiocentesis is not a core component of the Graduate Medical Education in Pediatric Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) in the United States. We recommend incorporating pericardiocentesis training into the PCCM fellowship curriculum.