Successful Treatment of Pneumopericardium with Pericardiocentesis in a Premature Infant: A Case Report and Review of The Literature

Neonatal pneumopericardium is a rare form of air leak syndrome associated with high morbidity and mortality. With advances in neonatal care, the incidence of pneumopericardium has decreased, as with other air leak syndromes; however, most cases occur in premature infants with a history of respiratory distress and mechanical ventilation. Pneumopericardium should be considered in the differential diagnosis of newborns experiencing sudden respiratory distress. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly reduce mortality. This case report presents the management of isolated pneumopericardium using ultrasound-guided pericardiocentesis, which was detected after sudden clinical deterioration in a premature female infant born at 28 gestational weeks and followed up on mechanical ventilation. Recognition and prompt intervention by neonatal intensive care unit physicians significantly impact the patient’s prognosis.

Keywords: Air leak, bedside ultrasonography, cardiac tamponade, newborn, pericardiocentesis, pneumopericardium