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. 2016 Dec;5(1):13-15.
doi: 10.1055/s-0036-1571360. Epub 2016 Jan 29.

Pneumopericardium Leading to Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Lung Cancer

Ahmad Al-Taweel  1 , Adil Ayub  1 , Chyun-Yin Huang  1 , Sadiq Rehmani  1 , Adnan Al-Ayoubi  1 , Faiz Y Bhora  1
Affiliations

Pneumopericardium Leading to Cardiac Tamponade in a Patient with Lung Cancer

Ahmad Al-Taweel et al. Thorac Cardiovasc Surg Rep. 2016 Dec.

Abstract

Pneumopericardium resulting in cardiac tamponade in patients with lung cancer is not documented. We report a case of squamous cell carcinoma of the lung complicated by pneumopericardium and subsequent cardiac tamponade. The patient underwent an urgent pericardial window with rapid improvement in symptoms. We discuss the possible pathogenesis and treatment options for this rare condition.

Keywords: cardiac tamponade; pericardial window; pneumopericardium; video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
(A) Right hilar necrotic tumor invading the left atrium. (B) 3- to 4-mm pneumopericardium.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
(A) Chest X-ray on admission consistent with pneumopericardium. (B) CT scan shows increase in pneumopericardium to 18 mm.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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