CT-Guided Pericardiocentesis in a Case of Tension Pneumopericardium and Tamponade Secondary to an Enteropericardial Fistula

Abstract

Tension pneumopericardium is most commonly traumatic. Nontraumatic etiologies are rare, but have been reported with gastropericardial and esophagopericardial fistulas. We present the case of a 54-year-old patient who developed a tension pneumopericardium with tamponade secondary to a perforated marginal ulcer in the proximal jejunum with an enteropericardial fistula. (Level of Difficulty: Intermediate.)

Keywords

• cardiac tamponade
• purulent pericarditis
• tension pneumopericardium