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Updated: May 25, 2026
05:31
Transcatheter Pulmonary Valve Replacement from Autologous Pericardium with a Self-Expandable Nitinol Stent in an Adult Sheep Model
Published on: June 8, 2022
[Pneumopericardium after pericardiocentesis: a case report].
Filiz Ozerkan1, Murat Bilgin, M Sefa Oktem
1Department of Cardiology, Medicine Faculty of Ege University, İzmir, Turkey. fozerkan@yahoo.com
Summary
Pneumopericardium, or air in the pericardial sac, can occur after pericardiocentesis. This case highlights successful management with corticosteroids for a patient with connective tissue disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Thoracic Surgery
Background:
- Pneumopericardium is the presence of air within the pericardial sac.
- Pericardiocentesis is a procedure to drain fluid from the pericardium.
Observation:
- A 61-year-old woman developed pneumopericardium post-pericardiocentesis.
- Initial symptoms included fatigue and shortness of breath, with imaging revealing pericardial effusion.
Findings:
- Following pericardiocentesis, air-fluid levels were observed in the pericardial cavity.
- Recurrent effusion despite air presence led to a second pericardiocentesis.
- Connective tissue disease was suspected, and corticosteroid treatment was initiated.
Implications:
- Corticosteroid therapy led to a significant reduction in pericardial effusion.
- This case suggests corticosteroids may be beneficial in managing post-procedural pneumopericardium associated with underlying connective tissue disease.
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