Pericardial tamponade after removal of an epicardial pacemaker wire.

Pericardial tamponade may arise from multiple traumatic and nontraumatic etiologies, resulting in unrecognized rapid deterioration and often death. A previously unreported case of pericardial tamponade after removal of an epicardial pacemaker wire is presented, demonstrating the everpresent potential for serious complications from seemingly innocuous invasive procedures.