2024 Volume 31 Issue 4 Pages 266-270
Pericardial decompression syndrome is a rare complication that causes sudden cardiogenic shock relatively early after pericardial drainage (PD), which is a life-saving procedure for patients with cardiac tamponade. A 41-year-old man developed pericardial decompression syndrome after PD (fluid volume, 475 mL) and was successfully treated with the immediate application of venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) and an intra-aortic balloon pumping (IABP). When hemodynamic failure occurs after PD, pericardial decompression syndrome should be kept in mind, as early diagnosis. The immediate supportive care until circulatory recovery and the immediate implementation of ECMO or other adjuvant circulatory support may contribute to improvement in survival of this complication.
