Pneumopericardium mimicking acute myocardial ischemia after laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Abstract

Pneumopericardium occurred after laparoscopic cholecystectomy in a 57-year-old woman. The patient had chest pain accompanied by T-wave inversion on electrocardiogram, with signs and symptoms suggestive of acute myocardial ischemia. Evaluation for myocardial infarction, however, was negative and clinical findings resolved spontaneously. Although pneumopericardium after laparoscopic procedures has been previously reported, this case illustrates how associated findings may mimic those of acute myocardial ischemia or infarction.

• Authors: J Beaver, D Safran
• Journal: Southern medical journal (South Med J) Vol. 92 Issue 10 Pg. 1002-4 (Oct 1999) ISSN: 0038-4348 [Print] United States
• PMID: 10548174 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Topics

• Chest Pain (diagnosis)
• Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic (adverse effects)
• Diagnosis, Differential
• Electrocardiography
• Female
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Myocardial Ischemia (diagnosis)
• Pneumopericardium (diagnosis)
• Pulmonary Atelectasis (diagnosis)
• Pulmonary Embolism (diagnosis)