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[Traumatic pneumopericardium with cardiac tamponade]
S T Baksaas1, E Fosse, J Pillgram-Larsen
1Thoraxkirurgisk avdeling, Kirurgisk klinikk, Ullevål sykehus, Oslo.
Summary
Tension pneumopericardium, a rare condition involving air in the pericardium, can cause cardiac tamponade after trauma. Prompt diagnosis and treatment, such as subxiphoid drainage, are crucial for patient recovery.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition often resulting from trauma.
- Pneumopericardium, air within the pericardial sac, can lead to cardiac tamponade.
- Traumatic injuries necessitate rapid and accurate diagnosis and intervention.
Observation:
- Two cases of traumatic pneumopericardium leading to cardiac tamponade are presented.
- Patient 1: Motorist with bilateral lung laceration developed cardiac tamponade 12 hours post-injury.
- Patient 2: Cyclist with abdominal injuries experienced hemodynamic compromise during surgery, revealing pneumopericardium.
Findings:
- X-ray revealed pneumopericardium with a diminished cardiac silhouette in Patient 1.
- Intrapericardial chest tube insertion in Patient 1 immediately improved blood pressure and central venous pressure.
- Pericardial incision in Patient 2 released air, normalizing pressures during laparotomy.
Implications:
- Pneumopericardium without symptoms may be managed with observation.
- Tension pneumopericardium, a rare but critical finding, requires prompt surgical drainage.
- Early recognition and intervention in traumatic pneumopericardium are vital for favorable outcomes.