[Post-traumatic tension pneumothorax and pneumopericardium in spontaneous ventilation]

Abstract

The occurrence of tension pneumopericardium in patient in spontaneous ventilation after blunt trauma is rare. The diagnosis is difficult and it may remain unrecognized. The authors reported the case of a 50 year-old trauma patient with a tension pneumothorax associated with a pneumopericardium. The patient was not mechanically ventilated at any time. Pericardial relief was obtained by insertion of a chest tube.