Echo-Guided Pericardiocentesis

A 75-year-old man with coronary artery disease, atrial fibrillation, sick sinus syndrome with permanent pacemaker, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and previous exertional dyspnea related to moderately severe mitral regurgitation from myxomatous degeneration and bileaflet prolapse presented with progressively worsening dyspnea several weeks after undergoing successful mitral and tricuspid valve repair with insertion of annuloplasty rings in addition to 2-vessel coronary artery bypass surgery. On presentation to the hospital he was found to have dyspnea at rest, hypotension, and jugular venous distension. A transthoracic echocardiogram demonstrated normal left ventricular function, no significant valvular stenosis, or regurgitation and a moderate sized pericardial effusion measuring 1.4 cm anteriorly and 2.7 cm posteriorly (Figure A through C). Significant inferior vena cava dilatation was noted, but no convincing chamber collapse to suggest overt cardiac tamponade. His symptoms persisted with no alternate cause …