Cardiac tamponade following acupuncture

We present a rare complication of acupuncture in a 83-year-old woman who de veloped syncope and cardiogenic shock shortly after an acupuncture procedur e into the sternum. Echocardiography revealed cardiac tamponade, and perica rdiocentesis disclosed hemopericardium, Due to hemodynamic instability, tho racotomy was indicated. A small but actively bleeding perforation of the ri ght ventricle was found and successfully closed. Although acupuncture repre sents a relatively safe therapeutic intervention, this case report should r emind all acupuncturists of possible and sometimes life-threatening adverse effects.