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BMJ Case Reports Jun 2024Implantation of cardiac devices is usually considered to be a safe procedure. Rare complications, such as pneumothorax, may occur after the procedure. The association...
Implantation of cardiac devices is usually considered to be a safe procedure. Rare complications, such as pneumothorax, may occur after the procedure. The association with pneumopericardium or pneumomediastinum is even more uncommon. We present the case of a patient in his 70s, on haemodialysis, admitted for complete atrioventricular block. He underwent implantation of a dual-chamber pacemaker. He presented with chest pain the day after implantation. Chest CT scan revealed a pneumothorax associated with a pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum 'pan pneumo', due to an atrial perforation. We opted for a conservative management strategy. Repeat CT scan of the chest 8 days after the procedure showed a complete resorption of the 'pan pneumo'. The objective of this case report is to describe this rare complication and provide further insight into its management, particularly in the absence of specific guidelines.
Topics: Humans; Pacemaker, Artificial; Male; Aged; Pneumothorax; Pneumopericardium; Mediastinal Emphysema; Atrioventricular Block; Tomography, X-Ray Computed; Heart Atria; Chest Pain
PubMed: 38926126
DOI: 10.1136/bcr-2024-260860 -
Die Anaesthesiologie Jun 2024In recent years, reports of health problems associated with nitrous oxide consumption have significantly increased. In Germany, nitrous oxide (NO) is easily available in... (Review)
Review
In recent years, reports of health problems associated with nitrous oxide consumption have significantly increased. In Germany, nitrous oxide (NO) is easily available in cartridges without legal restrictions. The main reason for its popularity in the party scene are the euphoric, psychedelic effects of the gas. In addition to severe and sometimes irreversible health problems associated with long-term use of nitrous oxide, e.g., anemia and nerve damage, life-threatening or fatal consequences of acute nitrous oxide consumption can also occur: accidents under the influence of nitrous oxide, pneumothorax, pneumopericardium and shock due to an explosive increase in airway pressure when inhaled directly from the cartridge. But the most common cause of severe complications is asphyxia as the gas is usually inhaled pure from large balloons and without oxygen. The resulting hypoxia during use may be perpetuated by the diffusion hypoxia that occurs during the reoxygenation period. Nitrous oxide as a cause in accidental or intoxication events is usually not detectable but can only be identified as a trigger based on the patient's history or the circumstances. Acute medical treatment is symptomatic.
PubMed: 38916748
DOI: 10.1007/s00101-024-01427-z -
Radiologia 2024Gastropericardial fistula is a rare, extremely serious and life-threatening condition. Its most common aetiology is secondary to iatrogenic injury following gastric...
Gastropericardial fistula is a rare, extremely serious and life-threatening condition. Its most common aetiology is secondary to iatrogenic injury following gastric surgery. Clinical manifestations may be non-specific with precordial pain, simulating an acute coronary syndrome, and may be accompanied by electrocardiogram abnormalities. Diagnosis is made by thoracoabdominal computed tomography (CT) with oral and intravenous contrast. Treatment is surgical and consists of repair of the anomalous communication. We present the case of an 81-year-old male patient with gastropericardial fistula who underwent surgery, with the aim of reviewing the diagnosis and the appropriate therapeutic strategy.
Topics: Humans; Male; Gastric Fistula; Aged, 80 and over; Fistula; Pericardium; Heart Diseases; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 38908888
DOI: 10.1016/j.rxeng.2023.02.005 -
European Heart Journal. Cardiovascular... Jun 2024
PubMed: 38905149
DOI: 10.1093/ehjci/jeae150 -
Journal of Comparative Pathology May 2024Air leak syndrome (ALS) is described in human medicine as a constellation of clinical disorders including pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pulmonary interstitial...
Air leak syndrome (ALS) is described in human medicine as a constellation of clinical disorders including pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and subcutaneous emphysema. The pathogenesis of ALS depends on the anatomy of the mediastinum and its associations with thoracic, abdominal and cervical connective tissues, as well as a physical phenomenon referred to as the Macklin effect. Various animal species develop diverse combinations of these lesions, although ALS has not been recognized in animals. However, this term aids pathologists in addressing this disease compilation. The aim of this retrospective study is to illustrate examples of ALS in animals by arbitrarily selecting 13 cases in dogs, cats, pinnipeds, sea otters and harbour porpoises. ALS can be classified into three groups based on aetiology: iatrogenic, secondary or spontaneous. Iatrogenic ALS was diagnosed in two cats with tracheal laceration following endotracheal intubation. Secondary ALS was identified in two dogs, one with acute respiratory distress syndrome and the other due to grass awn migration. Secondary ALS in pinnipeds was diagnosed following severe pulmonary parasitism, uraemic pneumonia and oesophageal perforation. The other marine mammals developed ALS following trauma. Spontaneous ALS was also diagnosed in one cat and one dog without any apparent predisposing causes.
Topics: Animals; Cats; Pneumothorax; Dogs; Mediastinal Emphysema; Retrospective Studies; Cat Diseases; Dog Diseases; Female; Male; Subcutaneous Emphysema; Pneumoperitoneum
PubMed: 38776614
DOI: 10.1016/j.jcpa.2024.04.005 -
Cureus Apr 2024A trio of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and pneumothorax is a highly unusual presentation. The majority of reported cases are due to trauma, while...
A trio of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and pneumothorax is a highly unusual presentation. The majority of reported cases are due to trauma, while the remaining cases are iatrogenic. Among infections, this trio has so far been reported in COVID-19 pneumonia and pneumocystis pneumonia in HIV-positive patients. There are case reports on pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in tuberculosis, but the trio is not reported. Here, we present a case of a recently diagnosed HIV-positive patient with complaints of cough and shortness of breath whose initial workup was negative for Mycobacterium. The patient was, however, started on antitubercular drugs based on clinical radiological evidence. He developed spontaneous pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium, and repeat bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) came positive for Mycobacterium. The patient, however, could not be revived and succumbed to obstructive and septic shock.
PubMed: 38765397
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.58440 -
Archivos de Bronconeumologia Apr 2024
PubMed: 38697901
DOI: 10.1016/j.arbres.2024.03.027 -
IDCases 2024Air leak syndrome, including pneumomediastinum (PM), pneumopericardium, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema, is primarily caused by chest trauma, cardiothoracic...
Air leak syndrome, including pneumomediastinum (PM), pneumopericardium, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema, is primarily caused by chest trauma, cardiothoracic surgery, esophageal perforation, and mechanical ventilation. Secondary pneumomediastinum (SP) is a rare complication, with a much lower incidence reported in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our patient was a 44-year-old nonsmoker male with a previous history of obesity (Body Mass Index [BMI] 35 kg/m), hyperthyroidism, hypokinetic cardiopathy and atrial fibrillation in treatment with flecainide, who presented to the emergency department with 6 days of fever, cough, dyspnea, and respiratory distress. The COVID-19 diagnosis was confirmed based on a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). After initiation of mechanical ventilation, a chest computed tomography (CT) on the first day revealed bilateral multifocal ground-glass opacities, consolidation and an extensive SP and pneumoperitoneum. Our therapeutic strategy was initiation of veno-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) as a bridge to recovery after positioning 2 drains (mediastinal and pleural), for both oxygenation and carbon dioxide clearance, to allow protective and ultra-protective ventilation to limit ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) and the intensity of mechanical power for lung recovery. After another chest CT scan which showed a clear reduction of the PM, 2 pronation and neuromuscular relaxation cycles were also required, with improvement of gas exchange and respiratory mechanics. On the 15th day, lung function recovered and the patient was then weaned from VV-ECMO, and ultimately made a good recovery and was discharged. In conclusion, SP may be a reflection of extensive alveolar damage and should be considered as a potential predictive factor for adverse outcome in critically ill SARS-CoV2 patients.
PubMed: 38681081
DOI: 10.1016/j.idcr.2024.e01956 -
The Journal of Asthma : Official... Apr 2024Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumopericardium is an uncommon clinical entity.
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumopericardium is an uncommon clinical entity.
CASE STUDY
Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old male with asthma who presented with acute chest pain and shortness of breath after an episode of coughing and sneezing. CT scans of the chest and neck revealed pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium with extensive subcutaneous emphysema extending into the axilla and neck.
RESULTS
The patient was admitted for observation and analgesia. No other interventions were administered. Interval scans performed on day five of the admission demonstrated an interval reduction in the degree of air within the mediastinum, pericardium and subcutaneous tissues, and the patient was subsequently discharged home.
CONCLUSION
This case outlines the presentation, diagnosis, and management of concurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium.
PubMed: 38639651
DOI: 10.1080/02770903.2024.2346151 -
JPMA. the Journal of the Pakistan... Mar 2024A 5 year old boy with acute ly mphoblastic leukaemia on chemotherapy presented with chest pain and vomiting for two days after an elective procedure under general...
A 5 year old boy with acute ly mphoblastic leukaemia on chemotherapy presented with chest pain and vomiting for two days after an elective procedure under general anaesthesia. H is ches t x-ray was remarkabl e for a promin ent halo sign, an air gap surrounding the he art indicat ing a large pneumope ricardium. Alth ough the pneu mo pericardium could not be appre ciated on an echocardiogram, the child developed clinical sig ns of cardiac t amponade. Attem pts to evacu ate the pneumopericardium were unsuccessful leading to death.
Topics: Male; Child; Humans; Child, Preschool; Pneumopericardium; X-Rays; Radiography; Pericardium; Chest Pain
PubMed: 38591303
DOI: 10.47391/JPMA.9393