Spontaneous pneumopericardium in a term newborn: a case report

Abstract

Neonatal pneumopericardium (NPPC) is a rare clinical condition that is usually described in the context of neonatal respiratory diseases that require assisted ventilation. It is usually associated with other air-leak syndromes like pulmonary interstitial emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema. NPPC can lead to serious complications including sudden cardiac arrest. Prompt recognition and treatment, if necessary, are important for successful outcome. Treatment options include pericardiocentesis, oxygen therapy for nitrogen wash-out and treating the underlying/associated other air-like syndromes like pneumothorax. We report a case of spontaneous pneumopericardium in a term neonate without any underlying lung pathology or exposure to positive pressure ventilation. The patient was treated successfully with oxygen therapy and discharged home without complications.