Isolated Pneumopericardium in a Neonate: A Case Report

Abstract

Pneumopericardium (PPC) is a rare but life-threatening condition that mostly accompanies air leak syndromes in neonates receiving positive pressure ventilation. PPC results from the rupture of the alveoli and subsequent dissection of air through the tissue planes into the mediastinum, pleura, or pericardial sac. This report describes the case of a term low birth weight neonate born in a peripheral hospital who developed respiratory distress soon after birth. He was transported with manual bag and tube ventilation, and was found to have air leak syndrome in the form of isolated PPC. The neonate was managed conservatively with spontaneous resolution of the PPC.

Keywords

• air leak
• neonatal care
• radiological assessment