Fatal pneumopericardium caused by SF6 gas infusion into the pleural space after pneumonectomy and pericardial resection.
A 63-year-old man with lung carcinoma underwent a right pneumonectomy and combined resection of the pericardium. Postoperatively, SF6 gas was introduced into the empty pleural space for the protection of excessive shift of heart and mediastinum, but a fatal pneumopericardium occurred. A rare but possible complication of cardiac tamponade after inert gas infusion in patients undergoing combined resection of pericardium is reported.
Shirakusa
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Division of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, Fukuoka University, Japan.
D000368:Aged; D005459:Fluorides / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010496:Pericardium / Q000601:surgery; D011013:Pneumonectomy; D011026:Pneumopericardium / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011859:Radiography; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000009:adverse effects*
D005459:Fluorides; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride