title: Tension pneumopericardium following stab wounds to the chest: report of two cases.
abstract: Two cases of tension pneumopericardium following stab wounds to the chest are reported. The first presented with delayed onset respiratory distress and a precordial systolic murmur, and was treated by thoracotomy. The second presented with acute cardiac tamponade and was treated by needle aspiration. The clinical and radiological features of tension pneumopericardium and its treatment are reviewed.
authors.affiliation: Trauma Unit, Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa.
authors.forename: J D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Knottenbelt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Divaris
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D004322:Drainage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D013908:Thoracotomy; D014951:Wounds, Stab / Q000150:complications* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging