Abstract

Pericardial effusion (PE) remains an important cause of morbidity after
cardiac surgery, and it can be life threatening when tamponade leads to
hemodynamic compromise. Transthoracic echocardiography is the most
important tool for diagnosis, grading, performing the pericardiocentesis
procedure and follow up of post surgical pericardial effusions. The present
case highlights the unique technique of posterior approach for pericardiocentesis
for a post surgical effusion in the presence of a large left pleural
effusion which otherwise would have required surgical drainage.

Key words: Pericardial effusion, Pericardiocentesis, Posterior approach, Echocardiography.