[Perforation of the left ventricle after insertion of a chest drain: favorable outcome despite an initially unfavorable situation].

Intra-abdominal and intrathoracic misplacement is a possible complication after insertion of a chest drain but perforation of the left ventricle has very rarely been described. We report on a 57-year-old woman who had to be resuscitated due to circulatory insufficiency subsequent to cardiogenic and hemorrhagic shock after the insertion of a chest drain for the treatment of a postpneumonic pleural effusion. During surgery perforation of the left ventricle with hemopericardium was found. Despite an initially unfavorable situation the patient recovered well.