Computed tomography-fluoroscopy guided drainage of pericardial effusions - Experience in 11 cases

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES. The purpose of the study was to evaluate feasibility and safety of CT-fluoroscopy in the drainage of pericardial effusion in cases not accessible by sonography. METHODS. Eleven drainages were performed in Seldinger-technique under CT-fluoroscopy on eight patients suffering from pericardial effusion. The inclusion criterion was a sonographically proved pericardial effusion not drainable under sonographic surveillance. In seven procedures the catheter was positioned using a medial, in four procedures a lateral approach from the apex was chosen. RESULTS. All catheters could be placed successfully (11/11) in the pericardial effusion and allowed for draining of the effusion in 10 of 11 cases. One epicardial laceration necessitated a surgical approach. The elapsed total procedure time for the drainage was on average 18:23 +/- 8:58 minutes. CONCLUSIONS. Visual surveillance by CT-fluoroscopy is a feasible method in the drainage of pericardial. effusions even in cases not accessible by ultrasound.