First Reported Case of Iatrogenic Cardiac Tamponade Following Chest Drain Insertion for Tension Pneumothorax in a Premature Newborn

Cardiac tamponade is a challenging clinical situation in preterm newborns. We report the first case of an iatrogenic cardiac tamponade secondary to direct myocardial disruption with pericardial penetration following unsuccessful attempts to drain a right tension pneumothorax in a 34-week premature female newborn. The pathophysiologic mechanisms involved are discussed.