Fatality following a sternal bone marrow aspiration procedure: a case report

A 58-year-old man was admitted to hospital for the investigation and treatment of pancytopaenia and anaemic heart failure but four days later he died following a sternal bone marrow aspiration procedure. The autopsy revealed a significant haemopericardium as a result of a puncture wound of the heart. The thickness the body of the sternum was 2 to 3 mm. No other significant pathology was noted and death was ascribed to a haemopericardium due to a puncture wound of the heart associated with bone marrow aspiration. An inquest was held at which the doctor who undertook the procedure was found not to be negligent.