Pulmonary edema after pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade

We have not previously observed pulmonary edema as a complication of pericardiocentesis for cardiac tamponade. We describe a patient with cardiac tamponade caused by carcinomatous pericarditis Immediately after rapid aspiration of more than 500 ml of pericaridal fluid, pulmonary edema developed in the patient (pulmonary capillary wedge pressure, 40 mm Hg), without an obvious cardiac abnormality. To avoid this complication, pericardial fluid should be removed gradually while right-heart hemodynamic data are monitored.