Pneumopericardium is the presence of air or gas within the
pericardial sac, the double-layered membrane surrounding the
heart. This rare condition can result from trauma (such as chest
injury or penetrating wounds), surgical procedures, mechanical
ventilation, or esophageal or bronchial perforation, and it can also
occur spontaneously in some cases. Symptoms can range from
being asymptomatic to presenting with chest pain, shortness of
breath, and, in severe cases, cardiac tamponade if the air
compresses the heart and impairs its function. Diagnosis is made
using imaging, such as chest X-rays or CT scans, where air is seen
outlining the heart within the pericardial sac, creating a
characteristic “halo” appearance. Treatment depends on the
underlying cause and severity, ranging from observation and oxygen
therapy to more invasive measures like needle aspiration or surgical
intervention to remove the air and address the source of the leak.