Transient Biventricular Dysfunction Following Pericardiocentesis for Cardiac Tamponade

Abstract

Pericardial decompression syndrome (PDS) is an unusual, potentially fatal complication that occurs after pericardial drainage for cardiac tamponade. either by needle pericardiocentesis or surgical pericardiostomy. It manifests with paradoxical hemodynamic deterioration and/or pulmonary edema, commonly associated with ventricular dysfunction. PDS usually begins after initial clinical amelioration after pericardiocentesis. It is largely under-reported and may be neglected in clinical practice. While the precise mechanisms behind PDS are not well understood, it seems to be strongly related to patients with preexisting ventricular dysfunction. Doctors who perform pericardial drainage should be mindful of the associated high-risk factors for the intervention, taking into consideration the uncommon possibility of PDS formation.