Volume 11, Number 4, July-August 2004

A case of spontaneous tension pneumopericardium
Simon Stacey, Alex W Green, Richard A Best

Pneumopericardium is a rare condition, seen most commonly in the context of chest trauma in adults, and in mechanical ventilation in neonatal practice. Mortality is high, more so if pericardial gas is accompanied by pus and, ultimately, tamponade.¹ Here we present a case of tension pyopneumopericardium leading to cardiac tamponade which had a favourable outcome. The aetiology remains uncertain in this instance, although an oesophagopericardial fistula cannot be discounted. In addition, we review the causes and clinical features of this condition as reported in the literature.

Br J Cardiol 2004;11:312-314.

View full PDF article (open in new window)
Email this article