Galindo D, Martin E, Franzen D. Pneumopericardium after Laparoscopic Hernia Repair Presents with ST-segment Changes: A Case Report.
Clin Pract Cases Emerg Med 2021;
5:178-181. [PMID:
34436999 PMCID:
PMC8143813 DOI:
10.5811/cpcem.2021.2.51069]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction
Although rare, iatrogenic cases of pneumopericardium have been documented following laparoscopic surgery and mechanical ventilation. Electrocardiogram (ECG) changes, including ST-segment depressions and T-wave inversions, have been documented in cases of pneumopericardium, and can mimic more concerning causes of chest pain including myocardial ischemia or pulmonary embolism.
Case Report
This unique case describes a patient who presented with chest pain and ST-segment changes on ECG hours after a laparoscopic inguinal hernia repair and who was found to have pneumopericardium.
Conclusion
While iatrogenic pneumopericardium is often self-limiting and rarely requires intervention, it is critical to differentiate pneumopericardium from other etiologies of chest pain, including myocardial ischemia and pulmonary embolism, to prevent unnecessary intervention.
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