Parasternal Pericardiocentesis in a Regional Emergency Department: Value of POCUS in Diagnosis and Management of Cardiac Tamponade.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition requiring prompt diagnosis and treatment, with pericardiocentesis being the mainstay of management. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) is useful in the diagnosis and management of cardiac tamponade, particularly in rural and regional settings without specialist or critical care support services. CASE PRESENTATION: We present an 88-year-old male who presented with cardiac tamponade. He was diagnosed and treated promptly with the aid of POCUS. DISCUSSION: A parasternal approach to pericardiocentesis was used, which has recognised advantages compared to other techniques, primarily ease of in-line needle guidance. This case demonstrates the role of POCUS in integrating rapid bedside diagnosis with procedural planning in regional emergency settings. CONCLUSION: POCUS can facilitate timely diagnosis and safe, definitive management of cardiac tamponade where critical care or specialist support may not be available.