Biventricular Transient Systolic Dysfunction After Mitral Valve Replacement: Pericardial Decompression Syndrome

Highlights • Pericardial Decompression Syndrome is an unexpected clinical scenario with an incidence less than 5% in all surgically or percutaneously managed pericardial tamponade patients. • Yet, in the majority of cases there is no obvious cause for the development of paradoxical ventricular dysfunction after decompression. • Close postoperative monitoring for the first 24 hours, preferably in the ICU, and aggressive heart failure treatments should be managed even if low cardiac output develops. • We recommend gradual removal of pericardial effusion under hemodynamic monitoring, especially in patient with postcardiotomy tamponade.