Pericardiocentesis in Severe Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension Guided by a Pulmonary Artery Catheter

Patients, often with underlying rheumatologic disease, may present with pericardial effusions in the setting of pulmonary hypertension (PHTN). Pericardial drainage in PHTN is associated with significant morbidity and mortality. We describe a patient with PHTN who developed cardiac tamponade that was managed safely and effectively with pulmonary artery catheter–guided pericardiocentesis.