Delayed tension pneumopericardium after thoracotomy for penetrating chest trauma.
Tension pneumopericardium is a rare entity typically described in premature infants requiring positive-pressure ventilation. However, recent reports suggest an increase in its occurrence in adults. A case of delayed postoperative tension pneumopericardium in an adult patient is presented with a review of the history, pathophysiology, presentation, and treatment of this entity.
Cora and Webb Mading Department of Surgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030.
W A
WA
Hymes
K M
KM
Itani
M J
MJ
Wall
T S
TS
Granchi
K L
KL
Mattox
D000328:Adult; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D006491:Hemothorax / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008168:Lung / Q000601:surgery*; D055370:Lung Injury; D008297:Male; D011027:Pneumoperitoneum / Q000209:etiology*; D012128:Respiratory Distress Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*