To the Editor.—
I noted with considerable interest the correspondence on pericardial effusion in the April Archives (137:542-543, 1977). Short of Nobel-level work, it is often petty to claim priority for procedures and observations. However, Dr Fuller's otherwise excellent letter is a repetition for the nth time of attribution to others of a technique that, if I did not originate (and I think I did), at least I had reported long before the date given as the "first reported pericardial catheterization."1 Subsequently, and one year before the date indicated as the first report, I also included my technique of pericardial catheterization, suitably illustrated, in a review article.2More important than questions of priority is the fact that as I see patients in Boston, in this area, and in other parts of the country, I am aware that catheterization of the pericardium is neglected, although it should be routine to