Survival after an acute pericardial tamponade as a result of percutaneously inserted central venous catheter in a preterm neonate.

Percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (PICC) are used in premature infants to deliver intravenous fluids, total parenteral nutrition (TPN) and medications. This article reports a case in which the baby developed pericardial tamponade within 3 hours of starting TPN through a PICC. This was successfully treated with percutaneous subxiphoid pericardiocentesis. Pericardial tamponade should be suspected in any infant with a PICC line in place, and who suddenly develops shock like symptoms, non-attributable to usual causes.