Iatrogenic Large Bowel Perforation Following Image-Guided Pericardiocentesis: A Case Report.
Sara Jamal Alnuwaiser, Parvez Alam Nusrat Ali, Tariq Daifallah Alsubhi et al.
✦ AI-curated · Sources linked
Case in brief
A 72-year-old man with multiple comorbidities underwent fluoroscopy-guided pericardiocentesis for a large pericardial effusion. Post-procedure, he developed tachycardia and imaging revealed that the catheter had perforated the transverse colon, leading to pneumoperitoneum and pneumopericardium. He required surgical intervention, including colonic repair and a diverting colostomy, and recovered well.
What made this case unusual
The case highlights an exceptionally rare complication of bowel perforation leading to fecal pericarditis following pericardiocentesis, particularly in a patient with colonic dysmotility.
Diagnostic / clinical pearl
Clinicians should be vigilant for unusual drain behavior and consider early imaging in patients with abdominal distension or colonic dysmotility after pericardiocentesis.
Why it matters
This case underscores the potential for serious complications from image-guided procedures, particularly in patients with pre-existing gastrointestinal issues.