Neonatal cardiac tamponade: what is the cause?

ABSTRACT

We present one case of neonatal cardiac tamponade due to percutaneous jugular venous catheterization, a rare and potentially fatal complication. In neonates with central venous catheters, the incidence of pericardial effusion [PCE] with tamponade is 0.5 - 2%. Perforation usually has a delayed course and results from endothelial injury, caused by the fluids, which leads to necrosis and thrombosis. This fluid then diffuses transmurally across the myocardium into the pericardium. Even if the catheter tip is placed properly and checked immediately after placement, it can migrate, an incidence which implies that the position of the catheter be checked at least twice a week after insertion