Tension pneumopericardium following blunt trauma.

Abstract

Tension pneumopericardium is uncommon after thoracic trauma and generally occurs following penetrating injury. Survivors of tension pneumopericardium secondary to blunt thoracic trauma are rare.

We present the case of a 41 year old woman with multiple injuries after a high speed motor vehicle crash, who developed tension pneumopericardium shortly after endotracheal intubation and positive pressure ventilation. Aspiration of 110 mls of air from the pericardium in the Emergency Department produced a dramatic improvement in her condition and she was discharged 28 days later.