A Rare Iatrogenic Trio

Abstract

We present a rare case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, and Escherichia coli pericarditis after emergency pericardiocentesis for pericardial tamponade. The patient had profound bowel distention at the time of the procedure that led to iatrogenic pericardioperitoneal fistula formation along with transverse colon perforation, which manifested later after pericardial drain removal. This condition required repeat pericardiocentesis, laparoscopic colon repair, a long course of antibiotics, and an eventual pericardial window. ( Level of Difficulty: Intermediate. )

A rare complication of pericardiocentesis: Pneumopericardium

“…Pneumopericardium is the collection of air in the pericardium and is a rare pericardiocentesis complication 2 . Pneumopericardium is most commonly caused by trauma, nevertheless, it may also emerge following interventional procedures.…”

“…Pneumopericardium is the collection of air in the pericardium and is a rare pericardiocentesis complication. 2 Pneumopericardium is most commonly caused by trauma, nevertheless, it may also emerge following interventional procedures. Although the most common cause of cardiac tamponade is the collection of blood and other fluids in the pericardium, it is known that air accumulation can also cause it.…”

“…Pericardiocentesis is a widely used treatment method in the treatment of pericardial effusion and its complication rate is approximately 1%−2% 1 . Pneumopericardium is known as the accumulation of air in the pericardial sac and is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis 2 . In this case report, we present a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium after pericardiocentesis in a patient with COVID‐19.…”

“…1 Pneumopericardium is known as the accumulation of air in the pericardial sac and is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis. 2 In this case report, we present a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium after pericardiocentesis in a patient with COVID-19.…”

A Rare Complication of Pericardiocentesis: Pneumopericardium

“…Pericardiocentesis is a widely used treatment method in the treatment of pericardial effusion and its complication rate is approximately 1-2% (1). Pneumopericardium is known as the accumulation of air in the pericardial sac and is a rare complication of pericardiocentesis (2). In this case report, we present a case of iatrogenic pneumopericardium after pericardicentesis in a patient with COVID-19.…”