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Pneumopericardium due to gastropericardial fistula: a delayed, rare complication of gastric bypass surgery

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Abstract

Pneumopericardium is a rare clinical finding with various etiologies. Pneumopericardium ranges from an asymptomatic to life-threatening condition, e.g., in cases of cardiac tamponade. The underlying etiology should be sought so that treatment can be expedited. Pneumopericardium may result from traumatic and nontraumatic etiologies. Although the mortality associated with pneumopericardium is high, its rarity precludes determination of its true incidence. We present an unusual case of pneumopericardium due to gastropericardial fistula which developed as a delayed complication of a Roux-en-Y gastric bypass performed 11 years prior.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Radiology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 200 Lothrop St., Suite 3950 PUH S. Tower, Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, USA

    David Rodriguez & Matthew T. Heller

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  1. David Rodriguez
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  2. Matthew T. Heller
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Correspondence to Matthew T. Heller.

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Rodriguez, D., Heller, M.T. Pneumopericardium due to gastropericardial fistula: a delayed, rare complication of gastric bypass surgery. Emerg Radiol 20, 333–335 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-013-1109-9

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10140-013-1109-9

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