Pneumopericardium with massive pericardial effusion in the setting of tuberculosis constrictive pericarditis: a rare case report

Abstract Constrictive pericarditis is an uncommon complication of acute pericarditis, mainly caused by non-idiopathic sources. Pneumopericardium is the presence of air in the pericardial sac resulting from various procedures and circumstances, including trauma, iatrogenic, non-iatrogenic and natural causes. Here, we report a 16-year-old girl who came to the cardiology outpatient complaining of weakness, abdominal distention and shortness of breath while lying down and exertion. An echocardiography evaluation revealed a thickened precordium and massive pericardial effusion. Pericardiocentesis was performed for diagnosis and treatment purposes. Despite the patient’s remaining symptomatic and having no improvement following the procedure, we decided to perform chest computed tomography, which revealed a thickened pericardium with pneumopericardium. Partial pericardiectomy was performed successfully, and the sample was sent to the pathology department, which confirmed tuberculous constrictive pericarditis. The patient’s symptoms improved, and she was discharged on postoperative Day 5 standing on her foot.