Abstract
A 62-year-old man developed compressive pneumopericardium following orthotopic heart transplantation after 4 years of Jarvik 2000 left ventricular-assist device implantation (Figure 1, Figure 2, Video 1). This complication was secondary to perioperative lung injuries during ablation of the outflow prosthesis anastomosed to the descending aorta. Clinical findings required pericardiocentesis.
Chest radiograph showing massive pneumopericardium after orthotopic heart transplantation, and remaining thoracic piece of the Jarvik 2000 cable (black arrow). Volume rendering (a) sagittal, (b) axial, and (c) coronal computed tomography images of the massive pneumopericardium.
Footnotes
Funding
This research received no specific grant from any funding agency in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Conflict of interest statement
None declared.