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Pericardiocentesis catheter in situ

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Chest pain and shortness of breath. Large pericardial effusion on echocardiography. Drainage catheter inserted under US control.

Patient Data

Age: 50
Gender: Male

Scout images show the catheter projected over the cardiac silhouette. Band atelectasis is seen in the left lower zone. 

A pigtail catheter with side holes is clearly seen entering the pericardial sac via a left subcostal approach passing around the left ventricle to the posterior heart at the left atrium. Small residual pericardial effusion.

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