Postpericardiocentesis pneumopericardium: A rare iatrogenic complication
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Pneumopericardium is characterized by the presence of air within the pericardial cavity, either due to direct pleuro-pericardial communication or a leaky drainage system. Air-fluid level surrounding the heart shadow within the pericardium on a chest X-ray is an early observation at diagnosis. We recently observed a case of pneumopericardium after a therapeutic pericardiocentesis in a 16-year-old man with tuberculous large pericardial effusion presenting with tamponade. Postpericardiocentesis, the patient was stable for 4 h and then started to complain of chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations. The diagnosis of pneumopericardium was confirmed by chest X-ray and fluoroscopy, and immediate management included fluoroscopic-guided aspiration. The patient had immediate relief from symptoms and was discharged on antituberculosis treatment with no recurrence of pneumopericardium. This clinical case analysis aims to summarize the etiology, clinical characteristics, diagnosis, and treatment methods of pneumopericardium to improve the understanding of this rare disease and measures to prevent it. Our reported case highlights the importance of considering pneumopericardium as a possible complication of pericardiocentesis and emphasizes the significance of early recognition and management to improve patient outcomes.
Source: Medicover journal of medicine.
Institution: Medicover Hospitals
Language: English
Subfield: Cardiology and Cardiovascular Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4409168347