Penetration of the pericardium by a gastric ulcer--survival after pericardiocentesis.
Elderly patients often have unusual manifestations of common illnesses. We describe a geriatric patient having a pneumopericardium from pericardial penetration by a gastric ulcer. Benign gastric ulceration causing perforation of the pericardium or other cardiac structures was recognized as early as 1854; however, until 1964, the condition was invariably fatal. Our patient survived the episode after early pericardiocentesis and medical treatment. Aspects of this uncommon clinical entity and a brief review of the literature are described.
Hall
M N
MN
Department of Family Practice, Carolinas Medical Center, Charlotte, NC 28232.
Little
J M
JM
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010439:Peptic Ulcer Perforation / Q000150:complications*; D010492:Pericardiectomy; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011859:Radiography; D013276:Stomach Ulcer / Q000150:complications*