PNEUMOPERICARDIUM Meaning and
Definition
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Pneumopericardium is a medical condition characterized by the presence of air or gas within the pericardial sac, which surrounds the heart. The pericardial sac is a protective double-layered membrane that encloses the heart, providing cushioning and lubrication for its normal functioning. However, in pneumopericardium, air may enter this space, causing abnormal pressure and potential damage to the heart.
Typically, pneumopericardium occurs as a result of trauma, such as chest injuries or surgical procedures involving the chest cavity. It can also be caused by the rupture of nearby air-filled structures, such as the lungs or respiratory tract. Additionally, infections or medical procedures involving the insertion of tubes or instruments into the chest may occasionally lead to pneumopericardium.
Symptoms of pneumopericardium may vary depending on the amount of air present and the rate of its accumulation. Mild cases may be asymptomatic, while more significant air accumulation can cause chest pain, difficulty breathing, rapid or irregular heart rate, low blood pressure, and signs of cardiac tamponade (compression of the heart by accumulated fluid). If left untreated, pneumopericardium can potentially lead to life-threatening complications such as cardiac arrest or pulmonary embolism.
Diagnosis of pneumopericardium usually involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging studies, such as chest X-rays or computed tomography (CT) scans. Treatment options may include observation, medical management, or surgical intervention, depending on the severity of symptoms and the underlying cause.
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The presence of gas in the pericardial sac.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PNEUMOPERICARDIUM
- oneumopericardium
- lneumopericardium
- -neumopericardium
- 0neumopericardium
- pbeumopericardium
- pmeumopericardium
- pjeumopericardium
- pheumopericardium
- pnwumopericardium
- pnsumopericardium
- pndumopericardium
- pnrumopericardium
- pn4umopericardium
- pn3umopericardium
- pneymopericardium
- pnehmopericardium
- pnejmopericardium
- pneimopericardium
- pne8mopericardium
- pne7mopericardium
Etymology of PNEUMOPERICARDIUM
The word "pneumopericardium" is derived from the combination of three Greek roots: "pneumo-" (πνεύμων), meaning "air" or "lung", "peri-" (περί), meaning "around" or "surrounding", and "cardium" (κάρδιον), which means "heart".
Therefore, "pneumopericardium" literally translates to "air around the heart". It refers to the presence of air or gas in the pericardium, which is the sac-like protective membrane surrounding the heart.
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