Hémopéricarde compliquant une ponction sternale

[Ascending aorta injury followed by cardiac tamponade after sternal puncture]

Heart or great outflow vessel injury followed by cardiac tamponade is an extremely rare event. However, it is the most dangerous complication of sternal puncture requiring urgent surgical intervention. The effectiveness of specialized care directly depends on its availability and timely diagnosis. Echocardiography is the simplest and informative method for objective diagnosis. We report successful surgical treatment of a 21-year-old patient with intrapericardial injury of the ascending aorta following sternal puncture.

Penetrating injury of the ascending aorta complicating a sternal biopsy

Bone marrow aspiration and trephine biopsy are considered safe procedures. Some serious but rare adverse events directly attributable to these procedures have been related in a few reports in the literature. We report a rare case of ascending aortic injury following a sternal trephine biopsy.

Pericardial tamponade: a rare complication of sternal bone marrow biopsy

Injury of the heart with concomitant pericardial tamponade as a result of sternal bone marrow biopsy is rare. An 80-year-old man was admitted with dehydration and non-specified abdominal pain to the regional hospital. Sternal aspiration biopsy was performed because of anemia and thrombocytopenia. Later on, because of the back pain, general weakness and blood pressure drop, an echocardiography examination was indicated. Pericardial fluid collection was found. Anticipated ascending aortic dissection was excluded on computed tomography scan, but pericardial fluid collection was confirmed. Transfer to our cardiac surgical facility ensued. Limited heart tamponade was affirmed on echocardiography and surgery was immediately indicated. Blood effusion was found in upper mediastinal fat tissue and 300 mL of blood were evacuated from opened pericardial space. Stab wound by sternal biopsy needle at the upper part of ascending aorta was repaired by pledgeted suture. Postoperative course was uneventful.