Left Internal Mammary Artery Transection: A Rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis

Pericardiocentesis is a procedure performed to aspirate fluid from the pericardial space. It is most often performed as an acute therapeutic procedure in cases of massive pericardial effusion or pericardial tamponade. Our case describes an unusual complication of pericardiocentesis leading to hemorrhagic pericardial effusion and hemodynamic compromise.