Perforation of Heart during Cardiac Catheterization and Selective Angiocardiography

Abstract

A case is reported in which cardiac catheterization and selective angiocardiography led to perforation of the heart without any further complications. It is suggested that distortion of the pressure tracing indicates partial obstruction of the catheter holes and that it should serve as a warning sign not to proceed with the injection of contrast medium, but to re-position the catheter first. Furthermore, inspection of the electrocardiogram immediately after the injection may give an early indication of myocardial disturbance in the form of ST-segment depression.