Hemopericardium following acupuncture

Yonsei Med J. 2011 Jan;52(1):207-9. doi: 10.3349/ymj.2011.52.1.207.

Abstract

Acupuncture-related hemopericardium is a rare but potentially fatal complication. We describe a hemopericardium that occurred shortly after acupuncture in a 55-year-old woman. A chest CT scan and echocardiography revealed a hemopericardium, and pericardiocentesis was then immediately and successfully performed. Subsequently, her clinical course improved. This case increases the attention of emergency physicians for acupuncture-related complications, especially hemopericardium, and the necessity of rapid diagnosis and management.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acupuncture Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Echocardiography
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Middle Aged
  • Pericardial Effusion / diagnosis*
  • Pericardial Effusion / etiology*
  • Pericardial Effusion / surgery
  • Pericardiocentesis