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Current Cardiology Reports

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19-10-2023 | Pericardiocentesis | Pericardial Disease (AL Klein and CL Jellis, Section Editors)

Computed Tomography–Guided Pericardiocentesis: A Practical Guide

Authors: Kunaal R. Bafna, Anouva Kalra-Lall, Ram Kishore Gurajala, Karunakaravel Karuppasamy

Published in: Current Cardiology Reports | Issue 11/2023

Abstract

Purpose of Review

The purpose of this article is to serve as a practical guide to computed tomography (CT)–guided pericardiocentesis and to discuss the role of this approach in current clinical practice. An overview of indications, technique, advantages, and limitations specific to CT-guided pericardiocentesis will be provided. The reader will have an enhanced understanding of the use of this imaging modality to guide pericardial drainage.

Recent Findings

Use of CT guidance to drain the pericardial space is safe, especially when adequate echocardiographic evaluation is precluded and when echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is deemed unsafe and or not feasible.

Summary

Our review and experience indicate that CT-guided pericardiocentesis is technically successful in more than 94% of patients, with a low risk (<1%) of significant complications. CT-guided pericardiocentesis is therefore a viable alternative when echocardiographic guidance is insufficient and can obviate the need for surgery in most patients.

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Title: Computed Tomography–Guided Pericardiocentesis: A Practical Guide
Authors: Kunaal R. Bafna
Anouva Kalra-Lall
Ram Kishore Gurajala
Karunakaravel Karuppasamy
Publication date: 19-10-2023
Publisher: Springer US
Keywords: Pericardiocentesis
Computed Tomography
Computed Tomography
Echocardiography
Echocardiography
Pericardial Drainage
Published in: Current Cardiology Reports / Issue 11/2023
Print ISSN: 1523-3782
Electronic ISSN: 1534-3170
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11886-023-01965-9

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Recent Findings

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