Acute cardiac herniation following intrapericardial pneumonectomy

Acta Chir Belg. 1998 Mar-Apr;98(2):98-100.

Abstract

Cardiac herniation is a rare but potentially fatal complication of intrapericardial pneumonectomy. It usually occurs within the first 24 hours postoperatively. Symptoms are side-related. It has a sudden onset and invariably evolves to cardio-vascular collapse. Clinical suspicion combined with plain chest X-ray and electrocardiographic changes must lead to a quick diagnosis. Definitive treatment requires prompt surgical action. Closure of the pericardial defect during initial operation does not exclude the possibility of cardiac herniation. We present a patient with a right-sided cardiac herniation after intrapericardial pneumonectomy. Patient was treated surgically and survived.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenocarcinoma / surgery
  • Female
  • Heart Diseases / diagnosis
  • Heart Diseases / etiology*
  • Hernia / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Neoplasms / surgery
  • Middle Aged
  • Pneumonectomy / methods*
  • Postoperative Complications