Gastropericardial fistula: a case report

Rationale: Gastropericardial fistula is a rare condition in which the patient presented with chest pain, dyspnea, tachycardia, pneumo/hydropericardium, or pericarditis. Alcohol intake or previous history of gastroesophageal surgery made the patient susceptible to fistula formation. Patient concerns: An 80-year-old male complained of sudden onset of dyspnea and respiratory distress. Nausea, hematemesis, and constipation were noted on clinical examination. Diagnosis: Herniation of the gastric fundus and massive pneumopericardium due to formation of fistula in the lesser curvature. Interventions: Urgent surgery was performed. Outcomes: The patient was discharged without any complication. Lessons: Although the lethal form of this condition is rare, gastroepicardial fistula should be included in the differential diagnosis workup of cases with stomach cardia and fundus ulceration.