Pneumopericardium due to intrapericardial perforation of a gastric ulcer.

Abstract

A 88-year-old male patient presented with fever, singultus and retrosternal pain. After 8 days of antibiotic therapy not resulting in clinical improvement, he suddenly developed a pneumopericardium. Contrast swallow and endoscopy showed intrapericardial perforation of a benign gastric ulcer. Excision of the ulcer and suturing of both the stomach and the diaphragm as well as lavage of the pericardium were done over a left thoracotomy. The patient recovered uneventfully.

• Authors: S Gabor, M Woltsche, A Maier, F M Smolle-Jüttner
• Journal: European journal of cardio-thoracic surgery : official journal of the European Association for Cardio-thoracic Surgery (Eur J Cardiothorac Surg) Vol. 23 Issue 1 Pg. 131-3 (Jan 2003) ISSN: 1010-7940 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 12493525 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Aged, 80 and over
• Diaphragm (surgery)
• Humans
• Male
• Peptic Ulcer Perforation (complications, surgery)
• Pneumopericardium (etiology, surgery)
• Stomach Ulcer (complications, surgery)