Iatrogenic pneumopericardium following therapeutic pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion in the emergency department - a case report

<p><strong>Background:</strong><strong> </strong>This case report highlights a rare iatrogenic complication of pericardiocentesis and discusses its clinical management. In most cases, pneumopericardium is usually self-limiting and does not require any specific treatment. Therefore, a timely diagnosis and urgent treatment are required. Currently, there are only a few reports regarding pneumopericardium following therapeutic pericardiocentesis.</p> <p><strong>Case Presentation:</strong> We present a case of an 81-year-old woman who developed pneumopericardium following pericardiocentesis for pericardial effusion, a rare association reported in the literature.</p> <p><strong>Conclusion:</strong> Pneumopericardium may develop iatrogenically after Pericardiocentesis. Attention should be paid to the puncture site and angle during pericardial puncture, especially in weak patients.</p> <p> </p> <p> </p>