In-hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis: role of effusion etiology and hemodynamic physiology

AIMS: This study evaluated the impact of effusion etiology, hemodynamic presentation, and comorbidity burden on in-hospital outcomes following pericardiocentesis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis of 62 adults who underwent pericardiocentesis at a tertiary academic hospital (2021-2024) was performed. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) and a post hoc Pericardial Risk Score (PRS) were evaluated as predictors. RESULTS: = 0.27). CONCLUSIONS: Pericardiocentesis remains safe and effective with low recurrence. Mortality is driven by effusion etiology and hemodynamic severity rather than comorbidity burden. A simple etiology-physiology risk score outperformed the CCI and may help guide post-procedural management.