Pneumopericardium mimicking acute myocardial ischemia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Pneumopericardium occurred after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a 57-year-old woman. The patient had chest pain accompanied by T-wave inversion on electrocardiogram, with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia. Evaluation for myocardial infarction, however, was negative and clinical findings resolved spontaneously. Although pneumopericardium after laparoscopic procedures has been previously reported, this case illustrates how associated findings may mimic those of acute myocardial ischemia or infarction.