Complications of pericardiocentesis: A clinical synopsis

Photoglottography: A Clinical Synopsis

Although photoglottography (PGG) has been used as a measure proportional to glottal area, it has not been widely applied in the clinic to study dysphonic patient populations. Historically, PGG has required the insertion of either a light source or photosensor at least to the level of the oropharynx or nasopharynx. This invasive nature of PGG has probably limited its appeal to those who are unwi...

Synopsis of Clinical Laboratory Methods

A pericardiocentesis electrode needle.

Pericardial aspiration is more difficult and hazardous than aspiration of other serous cavities. If the aspirating needle is introduced too far, it may injure or tear the myocardium, resulting in hwemopericardium, or induce ventricular fibrillation. The dangers are increased if the effusion is small, or if aspiration is performed as a diagnostic procedure to distinguish an effusion from a cardi...

Pneumopericardium as a Complication of Pericardiocentesis

Pneumopericardium is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis, occurring either as a result of direct pleuro-pericardial communication or a leaky drainage system. Air-fluid level surrounding the heart shadow within the pericardium on a chest X-ray is an early observation at diagnosis. This clinical measurement and process is variable, depending on the hemodynamic status of the patient. The dev...

Pneumopericardium: A Rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis

Pneumopericardium is defined by the presence of air in the pericardial cavity. It is a rare entity occurring most commonly after trauma. Pneumopericardium resulting after pericardiocentesis is even rarer. We report a case of 46-year-old man, with end-stage renal disease on chronic hemodialysis and who developed a large circumferential pericardial effusion of 40 mm in diastole with swinging hear...