Coronary Perforation of Distal Diagonal Branch Followed by Prolonged Recurrent Cardiac Tamponade Finally Resolved with Pericardiotomy - the Potential Risk of Hydrophilic Guide-Wires

Coronary artery perforation (CAP) is a complication of percutaneous coronary interventions (PCIs). Hydrophilic guide-wires have been shown to increase the probability of CAP. Depending on the size of perforations we adopt different treatments.

We present the case of a 73-year old male with coronary artery disease and severe aortic valve stenosis. The patient was in the process of qualifying for a transcatheter aortic valve implantation. Unfortunately, CAP of the first diagonal branch of the LAD occurred during PCI. Initially, abrupt bleeding to the pericardial sac was primarily restrained. However, in the following days, pericardial bleeding became silent, prolonged and finally resulted in surgical pericardiotomy and surgical aortic valve replacement.

This case depicts that in some cases, more aggressive endovascular treatment of CAP during the acute phase could decrease the probability of future radical surgical treatment. Although, in other cases, avoiding radical endovascular treatment of CAP and secondary necrosis along the distribution of the artery culminates in a higher risk for conversion to a surgical cardiac procedure. Accurate primary assessment of CAP seriousness and careful observation after PCI could improve results and lead to avoiding severe complications.