Authors: Meliha Fındık , Muhammet Çakas , Ramazan Kıyak , Bahadır Çağlar , Süha Serin

Abstract

Background: This case report highlights a rare iatrogenic complication of pericardiocentesis and discusses its clinical management. In most cases, pneumopericardium is usually self-limiting and does not require any specific treatment. Therefore, a timely diagnosis and urgent treatment are required. Currently, there are only a few reports regarding pneumopericardium following therapeutic pericardiocentesis.

Case Presentation: We present a case of an 81-year-old woman who developed pneumopericardium following pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion, a rare association reported in the literature.

Conclusion: Pneumopericardium may develop iatrogenically after Pericardiocentesis. Attention should be paid to the puncture site and angle during pericardial puncture, especially in weak patients.

Keywords: pericardial effusion, pericardiocentesis, pneumopericardium, bedside ultrasonography, emergency medicine.