Yonsei Med J.  2011 Jan;52(1):207-209. 10.3349/ymj.2011.52.1.207.

Hemopericardium Following Acupuncture

• Kim JH
• Kim SH
• Lee YJ
• Hong JS
• Ahn R
• Hong ES

• KMID: 1106460
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3349/ymj.2011.52.1.207

Abstract

Acupuncture-related hemopericardium is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We describe a hemopericardium that occurred shortly after acupuncture in a 55-year-old woman. A chest CT scan and echocardiography revealed a hemopericardium, and pericardiocentesis was then immediately and successfully performed. Subsequently, her clinical course improved. This case increases the attention of emergency physicians for acupuncture-related complications, especially hemopericardium, and the necessity of rapid diagnosis and management.

Keyword

Acupuncture; hemopericardium; echocardiography; pericardio-centesis

MeSH Terms

Acupuncture Therapy/*adverse effects
Echocardiography
Female
Humans
Middle Aged
Pericardial Effusion/*diagnosis/*etiology/surgery
Pericardiocentesis

Figure

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  Fig. 1 Chest x-ray and chest CT scan after tube thoracostomy shows hemopericardium (arrow).

• 

  Fig. 2 Chest X-ray and echocardiography after pericardiocentesis shows minimal pericardial effusion (arrow).

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