Sudden cardiac herniation 6 months after right pneumonectomy

Ann Thorac Surg. 2004 Sep;78(3):1095-7. doi: 10.1016/S0003-4975(03)01404-8.

Abstract

Cardiac herniation is a rare complication of intrapericardial pneumonectomy and has a high mortality. The condition has been reported only within 24 hours after surgery. In this report, a case is described in which a total cardiac herniation took place 6 months after right intrapericardial pneumonectomy. The patient presented with an acute vena cava superior syndrome and underwent thoracotomy to reposition the heart into the pericardial sac and to close the pericardium with a patch.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Hernia / etiology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pneumonectomy / adverse effects*
  • Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / etiology*
  • Thoracic Diseases / etiology