Pneumopericardium: two case reports and a review

Abstract

Pneumopericardium, and especially tension pneumopericardium, are relatively rare consequences of penetrating, blunt or iatrogenic injury. Despite its rarity and the compressibility of air, pneumopericardium can result in life threatening cardiac tamponade. We present two recent cases of this rare condition with divergent aetiologies from which lessons can be learned. The pathophysiology, diagnosis and treatment of pneumopericardium are reviewed.