A case of therapeutic cardiopulmonary resuscitation for pericardial tamponade

A unique case of therapeutic cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) after cardiac tamponade secondary to postoperative complication resulted in hemodynamic improvement. Our patient initially had pericardial effusion with concerns for a hematoma secondary to cardiac catheterization with stent placement. Multiple attempts at pericardial drainage were done, however the patient became unstable during the procedure. CPR was used therapeutically during cardiac arrest to help remove fluid around the heart. CPR is known to cause cardiac tamponade and also rarely treats cardiac tamponade in certain cases. There is little detail on cases with CPR therapeutically removing fluid accumulating in the pericardium. With CPR, increased pressure on the pericardium can lead to reduction of pericardial fluid. The true mechanism of this is unknown but may be related to rupture of the pericardium with fluid draining into the pleural space. This case will document a patient who recovered from postoperative cardiac tamponade after therapeutic CPR was performed.