Left atrial appendage perforation during appendage angiography treated by percutaneous left atrial appendage closure: a case report

BACKGROUND: Pericardial effusion is a common complication of percutaneous left atrial appendage (LAA) closure. Acute management is the cornerstone of pericardial effusion treatment and interrupting the intervention is often required. CASE SUMMARY: A 65-year-old man presented an acute 10 mm pericardial effusion following pigtail contrast appendage injection. A rapid Watchman Flex 24 mm (Boston Scientific) deployment permitted bleeding interruption. A needle pericardiocentesis was achieved in order to prevent any haemodynamical instability. DISCUSSION: This case report describes an atypical cause of pericardial effusion and a technique for bleeding control with LAA closure device deployment.