# Traumatic Right Atrium Perforation Causing a Pneumothorax and Pneumopericardium, Treated Conservatively

## TL;DR

A patient developed a rare combination of pneumothorax and pneumopericardium after a pacemaker implantation and was successfully treated without invasive procedures.

## Contribution

This paper presents a rare case of traumatic right atrium perforation leading to pneumothorax and pneumopericardium, managed conservatively.

## Key findings

- A patient developed pneumothorax and pneumopericardium following pacemaker implantation.
- Conservative treatment was successful in managing the complications without invasive interventions.
- The case highlights the rarity and potential management options for such complications.

## Abstract

Pacemaker insertion is a daily occurrence in the United States of America, and it is a relatively common procedure; however, complications can occur. One common complication includes the development of a pneumothorax; however, there are rare instances where patients can develop a pneumopericardium as well. We present a case of a patient who underwent dual chamber pacemaker implantation complicated by a pneumothorax and left-sided pneumopericardium, which is a rare finding. This patient initially presented with syncopal episodes and a dual chamber pacemaker was inserted; however, not long after, the patient developed pericarditis and was found to have a pneumothorax and a pneumopericardium. In these cases, patients can be treated with chest tube insertion, lead extraction, or even conservatively, depending on the patient's clinical status. Various reasons exist for the development of a pneumothorax and pneumopericardium; however, the guidelines on management are still unclear and require further study. In our patient, his pneumothorax and contralateral pneumopericardium were treated conservatively with stable follow-up post-hospitalization.