Use of contrast echocardiography to detect displacement of the needle during pericardiocentesis.

Bedside pericardiocentesis is a safe and routinely practiced procedure. We report a case in which echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis was performed urgently for cardiac tamponade. In this case, there was displacement of the periocardiocentesis needle that was only detected by change in the color of aspirated fluid and confirmed by the use of contrast echocardiography. We prescribe the use of routine echocardiographic monitoring during pericardiocentesis to avoid this type of complication.