Post-pneumonectomy Cardiac Herniation Management: A Rare Case.

Abstract

Cardiac herniation is an uncommon complication of pneumonectomy. It usually occurs when a defect is made in the pericardium during the surgical resection of the lung. It is a life-threatening complication; even after surgical correction, morbidity and mortality rates remain high. We present a case of right-sided cardiac herniation after extrapleural pneumonectomy. This case report describes the difficulty in diagnosing and managing this rare complication. It discusses the causes and pathophysiology of cardiac herniation. We have described the clinical presentation and tools to diagnose such cases. In this case report, we have discussed the available treatment options and measures to prevent this complication. In any patient who acutely deteriorates post-pneumonectomy, cardiac herniation must be considered as one of the differential diagnoses.