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[Pneumopericardium caused by gastropericardial fistula]
A Ruano Poblador1, A M Gay Fernández, M T García Martínez
1Servicio de Cirugía General y del Aparato Digestivo, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de Vigo, Spain. aruanopoblador@yahoo.es
Revista Espanola De Enfermedades Digestivas
|May 23, 2007
Summary
A 56-year-old male experienced severe epigastric pain, leading to the diagnosis of pneumopericardium and a gastropericardial fistula. Surgical intervention, including gastrectomy and pericardial drainage, resulted in a positive patient outcome.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Thoracic Surgery
- Diagnostic Imaging
Background:
- Gastropericardial fistula is a rare condition where the stomach and pericardium abnormally connect.
- Symptoms can be non-specific, including severe epigastric pain radiating to the neck and shoulder.
Observation:
- A 56-year-old male presented with acute, severe epigastric pain radiating to the left shoulder and neck.
- Initial diagnosis of pneumopericardium was made via plain chest X-ray.
- Water-soluble contrast X-ray confirmed the gastropericardial fistula.
Findings:
- The gastropericardial fistula was confirmed through contrast radiography.
- Surgical management involved a full gastrectomy.
- Reconstruction included esophagojejunostomy and pericardial drainage.
Implications:
- This case highlights the importance of considering rare diagnoses in patients with severe abdominal pain.
- Successful surgical management of gastropericardial fistula can lead to favorable outcomes.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention are crucial for managing this life-threatening condition.
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