Key result
Echo-guided pericardiocentesis using a 3Fr central venous catheter successfully resolves massive neonatal pericardial effusion.
Why the study?
Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade are rare but deadly complications of PICC in neonates requiring urgent pericardiocentesis, with limited catheter options available.
Can a central venous catheter be safely and effectively used for echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis in a neonate with massive pericardial effusion?
Case Report (n=1)
No
Can a central venous catheter be safely and effectively used for echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis in a neonate with massive pericardial effusion?
A central venous catheter can serve as a safe and accessible alternative to standard pigtail catheters for life-saving echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis in neonates in resource-limited settings.
May offer rescue option when standard catheters unavailable in neonates; leaves open safety and efficacy questions for prospective validation.
Background: A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is commonly used in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Although beneficial, PICC can result in deadly silent complications, namely pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade, requiring urgent pericardiocentesis. In this case, a central venous catheter (CVC) was used in the pericardiocentesis procedure due to the inadequacy of the standard catheter. Case presentation: A female neonate with a birth weight of 920 grams and 29-week gestational age has been admitted to the NICU since she was born. On her 29th day of life, the patient suddenly became tachycardic and has frequent apnea episodes. Babygram showed the tip of the PICC was in the right atrium. Echocardiography revealed massive pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was performed bedside using a 3Fr CVC due to the limited availability of pigtail catheters suitable for neonates. Immediately after the pericardiocentesis, the patients became stable with a normal heart rate and no episodes of apnea. Conclusion: Pericardial effusion is a rare complication of PICC, but it is associated with high mortality. The use of CVC for pericardiocentesis under echocardiography guidance in settings with limited facilities can be an option for this life-saving procedure.
No takes yet. Share an insight, caveat, or question.
Hikmayani et al. (2026) conducted a case report in Pericardial effusion and cardiac tamponade (n=1). Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis using a central venous catheter (CVC) was evaluated on Evacuation of pericardial fluid and clinical stabilization. Echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis using a 3Fr central venous catheter successfully evacuated massive pericardial effusion and restored clinical stability in a neonate.
Synapse has enriched 5 closely related papers on similar clinical questions. Consider them for comparative context: