Neonatal pneumopericardium
Y. W. Brans, M. Pitts and G. Cassady
Six cases of pneumopericardium in neonates with hyaline membrane disease
were observed during a six-month period. Five babies were receiving
positive inspiratory or expiratory pressure or both. All but one had other
extra-alveolar air collections. In three cases, sudden decrease in PaO2 was
the only recorded sign that led to diagnosis. Pericardial aspiration was
performed in four babies; one died and three either survived or died later
of unrelated disease. One neonate was not treated and died of other causes.
Treatment was delayed in the sixth infant; the pneumopericardium
disappeared spontaneously but soon reappeared and contributed to a fatal
outcome, although a drainage catheter was inserted. This experience and
review of other authors' observations suggest that prompt drainage by
catheter and continuous suction is indicated.