Open AccessFatal pneumomediastinum associated with use of noninvasive mechanical ventilation
Author(s) -
Ruggeri Paolo,
Girbino Giuseppe
Publication year - 2014
Publication title -
respirology case reports
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.304
H-Index - 9
ISSN - 2051-3380
DOI - 10.1002/rcr2.73
Subject(s) - medicine , pneumomediastinum , mechanical ventilation , respiratory failure , interstitial lung disease , copd , acute respiratory failure , intubation , complication , intensive care medicine , concomitant , anesthesia , surgery , lung
We present a case of fatal pneumomediastinum in a patient with acute respiratory failure caused by acute exacerbated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease ( AECOPD ) and interstitial lung disease ( ILD ) precipitated by noninvasive mechanical ventilation ( NIMV ). To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature. NIMV is very useful to treat acute respiratory failure due to AECOPD improving survival and avoiding endotracheal intubation. Use of NIMV in end stage ILD is not standardized and efficacy is to be proven. No data are reported to manage patient with concomitant COPD and ILD . Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying this fatal complication are explained and suggestions to treat this subgroup of patients discussed.