Hemopericardium After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation—Bedside Drainage with a Triple-Lumen Catheter: A Case Report
Published Web Location
https://doi.org/10.5811/cpcem.63687
Abstract
Introduction: Hemopericardium from chest compression-related cardiac injury is an underrecognized complication of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, with bleeding risk amplified in anticoagulated patients.
Case Report: A 66-year-old man on apixaban and hemodialysis presented in cardiac arrest. Post resuscitation ultrasound revealed pericardial tamponade. With no pericardiocentesis kit available, a seven French triple-lumen central venous catheter was placed under ultrasound guidance via a subxiphoid approach. Approximately one liter of bloody fluid was drained; the patient died within 24 hours.
Conclusion: Hemopericardium is an underrecognized complication of resuscitation in anticoagulated patients. A triple-lumen central venous catheter offers a familiar bedside drainage alternative when a commercial kit is unavailable.