Journal of Perioperative Echocardiography

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VOLUME 8 , ISSUE 1 ( January-June, 2020 ) > List of Articles

CASE REPORT

Pneumomediastinum and Pneumopericardium: Impediment to the Transthoracic Echo Windows

Thanigai Arasu, Sunder Lal Negi

Keywords : Cardiac A-lines, COVID-19, Pneumomediastinum, Pneumopericardium

Citation Information : Arasu T, Negi SL. Pneumomediastinum and Pneumopericardium: Impediment to the Transthoracic Echo Windows. J Perioper Echocardiogr 2020; 8 (1):18-20.

DOI: 10.5005/jp-journals-10034-1113

License: CC BY-NC 4.0

Published Online: 19-05-2022

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2020; The Author(s).


Abstract

Aim and objective: To highlight the impediments for the transthoracic echo windows. Background: Pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium with cardiac A-lines obscuring the transthoracic echo windows. Case description: A 57-year-old male patient with COVID-19 infection underwent tracheostomy and positive pressure ventilation following which he developed pneumomediastinum/pneumopericardium. Subsequently, the apical and parasternal cardiac windows replaced by A-lines hindering the echocardiographic examination. Conclusion: The disappearance of the previously available echo window should raise the suspicion of new-onset pneumomediastinum or pneumopericardium.


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