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Posttraumatic tension pneumopericardium: the "small heart" sign
Radiology
|March 1, 1986
Summary
The "small heart" sign in patients with blunt thoracic trauma and pneumopericardium indicates tension pneumopericardium and impending cardiac tamponade. Surgical relief restores cardiac size and resolves hemodynamic effects.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Trauma Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Pneumopericardium, the presence of air in the pericardial sac, can occur following blunt thoracic trauma.
- Cardiac tamponade is a life-threatening condition caused by fluid accumulation in the pericardial space, leading to impaired cardiac function.