A rare case of pericardial tamponade during Transthoracic Echocardiogram.

Abstract

Pericardial effusion is not an uncommon finding in cardiology practice and the clinical picture depends on various factors including size of the effusion, etiology and speed of accumulation. Significant hemodynamic abnormalities, including cardiac arrest, can result from pericardial tamponade. We report a case of pericardial tamponade in a patient precipitated by added pressure from a transthoracic echo probe. Hemodynamic changes occurred unexpectedly during acquisition of subcostal echo images. The patient was promptly resuscitated and urgent pericardiocentesis was performed. Soon after the pericardiocentesis, hemodynamic indicators improved, and the patient achieved a satisfactory clinical recovery.