Korean J Radiol.  2000 Jun;1(2):118-120. 10.3348/kjr.2000.1.2.118.

Concurrent Pneumopericardium and Pneumothorax Complicating Lung Cancer: A Case Report

• Kim YI
• Goo JM
• Im JG

• KMID: 966484
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.3348/kjr.2000.1.2.118

Abstract

The coexistence of pneumothorax and pneumopericardium in patients with primary lung cancer is a very rare phenomenon. We report one such case, in which squamous cell carcinoma of the lung was complicated by pneumopericardium and pneumothorax. Several explanations of the mechanisms involved will be discussed.

Keyword

Lung neoplasms; Lung neoplasms, CT; Pneumothorax,Pneumopericardium

MeSH Terms

Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/*complications/radiography
Case Report
Human
Lung Neoplasms/*complications/radiography
Male
Middle Age
Pneumopericardium/*complications/radiography
Pneumothorax/*complications/radiography
Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 A 53-year-old man with lung cancer after bilateral upper lobectomy. A. Chest radiograph shows moderate amount of pneumopericardium (arrows) and left hydropneumothorax (arrowheads). B. CT scan obtained at the level of the liver dome shows pneumopericardium (arrow) and left hydropneumothorax (arrowheads). Note the presepce of underlying centrilobular emphysema in both lower lobes. C. Enhanced CT scan shows irregular-shaped soft tissue mass (arrow) infiltrating into the left atrium. Note the presence of pneumopericardium (arrowheads) and ipsilateral pleural effusion (open arrow). D. CT scan obtained at a level below (B) shows suspected pericardial defect (arrow).

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