Computed Tomography-Guided Pericardiocentesis: A Practical Guide.

Use of CT guidance to drain the pericardial space is safe, especially when adequate echocardiographic evaluation is precluded and when echocardiography-guided pericardiocentesis is deemed unsafe and or not feasible. Our review and experience indicate that CT-guided pericardiocentesis is technically successful in more than 94% of patients, with a low risk (<1%) of significant complications. CT-guided pericardiocentesis is therefore a viable alternative when echocardiographic guidance is insufficient and can obviate the need for surgery in most patients.