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Cardiac tamponade due to pneumopericardium
1Department of Medicine, Queen Alexandra Hospital, Cosham, Hampshire.
Thorax
|June 1, 1988
Summary
Tension pneumopericardium is a rare complication of acute asthma, especially when requiring assisted ventilation. This case highlights its potential to cause cardiac tamponade, relieved by pericardial aspiration.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Pulmonology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute asthma can necessitate mechanical ventilation.
- High airway pressures during ventilation pose risks.
- Pneumopericardium is an uncommon complication.
Observation:
- A 20-year-old patient with acute asthma developed pneumopericardium.
- Assisted ventilation led to high airway pressures.
- The patient presented with clinical signs of cardiac tamponade.
Findings:
- Tension pneumopericardium occurred secondary to assisted ventilation in asthma.
- Cardiac tamponade was a direct consequence of tension pneumopericardium.
- Pericardial aspiration successfully relieved the tamponade.
Implications:
- This case expands the known complications of assisted ventilation in severe asthma.
- It underscores the importance of recognizing pneumopericardium and cardiac tamponade in ventilated asthmatics.
- Prompt diagnosis and intervention, such as pericardial aspiration, are crucial for patient survival.