J Korean Soc Echocardiogr.  1996 Jul;4(1):80-84. 10.4250/jkse.1996.4.1.80.

Efficacy of 2-dimensional Contrast Echocardiography During Pericardiocentesis

• Han SW
• Kim KS
• Her SH
• Hyun DW
• Kim YN
• Kim KB

• KMID: 2410409
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4250/jkse.1996.4.1.80

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pericardiocentesis is simple procedure in itself but has been associated with serious complicatios. In this study we assess the mortality and morbidity of 2-dimentional contrast echocardiographically directed pericardiocentesis. METHOD: Fourteen patients(8 males and 6 females, mean age : 55 years) with pericardial effusion were included in this study. The 2-dimensional echocardiographic transducer was place at the apex and a 4-chamber view was obtained. When return of fluid was obtained at least 10cc were aspirated and discarded, then 5cc of agitated saline solution were injected through the exploration needle and cloud of echoes indicated the position of the needle. When its position in the pericardial sac was confirmed, the needle was replaced by a catheter, then 5cc of agitated saline solution were injected through the catheter and cloud of echoes confirm the location of the catheter.
RESULTS
In all 14 patients a satisfactory apical 4-chamber view was obtained. The echocardiogram showed explorating meedle in all patients but did'nt show exact location. The echocardiographic contrast effect produced by hand-agitated saline was seen in the pericardiac sac in all pateints. The contrast study confirmed the position of the needle and catheter in thepericardial cavity in all patients. The life-threatening complications were not developed.
CONCLUSION
2-dimensional contrast echocardiographically directed pericardiocentesis is simple, safe and effective. It is useful in early detection of locating needle and catheter position, thus it could reduce the mortality and morbidity of pericardiocentesis.

Keyword

Pericardiocentesis; 2-dimentional contrast echocardiography

MeSH Terms

Catheters
Dihydroergotamine
Echocardiography*
Female
Humans
Male
Methods
Mortality
Needles
Pericardial Effusion
Pericardiocentesis*
Sodium Chloride
Transducers
Dihydroergotamine
Sodium Chloride

Figure

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  Fig. 1. Apical 4-chamber view showing the pericardiocentesis needle within the pericardial sac.

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  Fig. 2. Saline solution injected through the needle has produced a contrast effect(arrow).

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  Fig. 3. 2-dimentional echocardiogram showing the draining catheter within the pericardial sac(arrow).

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  Fig. 4. The two apical 4-chamber views show the massive pericardial effusion(left) and contrast effect(arrow) through the draining catheter confirmed the catheter position(right).

Reference

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