1 Department of Pediatrics, Cook County Hospital and the Abraham Lincoln School of Medicine, University of Illinois College of Medicine, Chicago
Four neonates with pneumopericardium were seen within a 12-month period. All infants received various methods of assisted ventilation. Two episodes were recognized early and prompt pericardial aspiration resulted in survival. One was asymptomatic, recognized by roentgenogram and treated conservatively. The fourth infant was recognized by postmortem roentgenograms. A clinical analysis of these four infants and that of 13 others reported in the literature is presented. Awareness of this complication in infants on IPPB or CDP, prompt diagnosis and therapy may be lifesaving.
Submitted on December 6, 1973