Pneumopericardium: a rare complication following pericardiocentesis

Area of Science:

• Cardiology
• Thoracic Surgery
• Infectious Diseases

Background:

• Pneumopericardium, defined as air in the pericardial cavity, is an uncommon condition.
• It is most frequently associated with trauma or occurs spontaneously in healthy adults.
• Pneumopericardium subsequent to pericardiocentesis is exceptionally rare.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report a rare case of pneumopericardium following pericardiocentesis.
• To describe the presentation of tamponade physiology in this context.
• To highlight the management of this rare complication.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing a patient who developed pneumopericardium after pericardiocentesis.
• Clinical assessment for signs of cardiac tamponade.
• Intervention involving emergency pericardiectomy.

Main Results:

• The patient presented with pneumopericardium and tamponade physiology post-pericardiocentesis.
• Pneumopericardium, typically self-resolving, necessitated surgical intervention in this case.
• Emergency pericardiectomy was performed for treatment.

Conclusions:

• Pneumopericardium following pericardiocentesis is a rare but potentially serious complication.
• Tamponade physiology can arise from this condition, requiring prompt management.
• Emergency pericardiectomy may be necessary for severe cases.