Cardiac Herniation with Torsion of Right Pulmonary Artery: Status Post Urgent Left Pneumonectomy

Author(s): Pietropaoli L, Renaud S, Doucet A, Ferri L, Spicer J, Donatelli F, Marinangeli F

Cardiac herniation is a rare complication of intrapericardial lung resection, typically occurring within the first twenty-four hours. Considering that this condition carries a high mortality rate despite prompt management, early diagnosis is key. Since clinical manifestations can be variable, the use of imaging modalities coupled with a high index of suspicion is critical to making the correct diagnosis. In this article, a case of acute cardiac herniation post left pneumonectomy diagnosed with the help of an intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) is presented.