On physical examination, the patient may have the classic “Beck’s triad” – hypotension, raised JVP and distant heart sounds, when complicated by cardiac tamponade. Extension of the mediastinal air to the subcutaneous tissues via the fascial planes may lead to subcutaneous emphysema. When air and fluid mix together in the pericardial sac, a tinkling sound superimposed over a succussion splash is heard. This is known as a “Bruit de Moulin”, which is French for “Mill–wheel” murmur. Air between the anterior parietal pericardium and the thoracic cage may also give rise to the “Hamman’s Sign” – which is a crunching sound typically heard on auscultation of the chest, but may sometimes be heard even with the unaided ear.
Pneumopericardium
Hemopericardium
Urinothorax
Chylothorax
Fibrothorax
Hemothorax
Pneumomediastinum
Pneumothorax