@article{ref1,
title="Pneumopericardium resulting from blunt thoracic trauma",
journal="Curēus",
year="2020",
author="Anand, Rohan and Brooks Md Facs, Steven E. and Puckett, Yana and Richmond, Robyn E. and Ronaghan, Catherine A.",
volume="12",
number="11",
pages="e11625-e11625",
abstract="Pneumopericardium is a rare clinical condition defined by the presence of air in the pericardial sac. While this initially does not pose much danger, the accumulation of  a sufficient amount of air can convert the pneumopericardium to a tension pathology. This may present with the classic signs, symptoms, and lethal dangers of cardiac  tamponade. As with cardiac tamponade, treatment involves decompression of the  pericardial sac through pericardiocentesis. This may be followed by insertion of a  pericardial tube for continued drainage. While cardiac tamponade is well recognized  by its classic findings, the rarer pneumopericardium may be more easily missed. This  is further complicated by the backdrop of concurrent traumatic injuries in which it  typically presents, as well as the absence of the defining accumulated pericardial  effusion. We present a case of a 38-year old male who developed pneumopericardium  and worsening hemodynamic status as a complication to blunt trauma, a rare etiology  for this condition. CT of the chest demonstrated air in the pericardium and a  coexisting pneumothorax. A bedside chest tube was placed. Upon resolution of the  pneumothorax, his hemodynamic status improved. Repeat bedside ultrasound  demonstrated complete resolution of his pneumopericardium. This case emphasizes the  importance of early recognition and diagnosis of this rare yet easily missed  condition.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="2168-8184",
doi="10.7759/cureus.11625",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.7759/cureus.11625"
}