Pneumopericardium Caused by Gastropericardial Fistula after Use of NSAIDs in a Patient with Acute Pericarditis and Gastric Cancer

Here, we report a case of gastropericardial fistula associated with the treatment of acute pericarditis using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in the presence of gastric cancer. The patient presented with acute pericarditis with pericardial effusion that had progressed into definite gastropericardial fistula with pneumopericardium after the administration of NSAIDs. The patient improved after conservative management. Based on the current case, we advise caution when using NSAIDs to treat acute pericarditis in the presence of gastric cancer or possible gastropericardial fistula. (Korean J Med 2014;86:489-493)