Iatrogenic pneumopericardium after tube thoracostomy: A case report

Abstract

Highlights Iatrogenic pneumopericardium following tube thoracostomy is exceedingly rare. Delayed or missed diagnosis of iatrogenic pneumopericardium can be fatal. Infants tend to develop tension pneumopericardium urging surgical intervention. Iatrogenic pneumopericardium in infants can be managed conservatively with caution.

Pneumopericardium due to blunt trauma

“…In another study, it was reported that 37% of simple pneumopericardium can progress to tension pneumopericardium. In these cases, the mortality rate is 57% [2]. Our case was hemodynamically stable.…”

“…Pneumopericardium was first described by Bricheteau in 1844 [2]. Pneumopericardium is defined as a collection of air in the pericardial space.…”

“…The main etiology is often blunt chest trauma [1]. Pneumopericardium is divided into simple and tension forms [2]. Simple pneumopericardium is usually asymptomatic.…”

“…Therefore, their follow-up should be done carefully [4]. In tension pneumopericardium, pericardial air should be immediately decompressed [2]. A case of pneumopericardium after blunt trauma is presented, and the possible follow-up outcomes are based on other literature studies.…”

Iatrogenic pneumopericardium after therapeutic pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion: a case report

“…The difference in the results of the two CT reports before and after pericardial puncture suggests that pneumopericardium occurred during or after therapeutic pericardiocentesis. In recent years, iatrogenic pneumopericardium has been reported in a few studies, [6][7][8][9][10][11] mainly related to various clinical invasive procedures such as thoracentesis, [10] pericardiocentesis, [11] pacemaker implantation [12] and radical resection of gastric and esophageal cancer. [13] The occurrence can be attributed to either direct pleural-pericardial connection or air leakage to the pericardial drainage system.…”