Something is up in the air: pneumothorax and pneumopericardium in a  29-week preterm infant

This report highlights the early and unusual detection of a  pneumopericardium by echocardiography prior to potential development of cardiocirculatory compromise. It is important to consider pneumopericardium into the differential diagnosis when difficulties arise in the visualization of the heart by conventional echocardiography. Pneumopericardium is assoc iated with a high mortality rate and may be effectively treated by immediate insertion of a pericardial catheter.
Source: Wiener Medizinische Wochenschrift - Category: General Medicine Source Type: research