Open AccessSpontaneous Pneumomediastinum as a Complication of COVID-19 Infection: A Case Series.
Author(s) -
Kyle Cilia
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
medical case report journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2581-5563
DOI - 10.31531/2581-5563.1000120
Subject(s) - pneumomediastinum , medicine , pneumopericardium , pneumothorax , odynophagia , complication , chest pain , subcutaneous emphysema , surgery , pneumonia , mediastinal emphysema , anesthesia , radiology , dysphagia
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is the presence of free air around mediastinal structures and frequently associated with other forms of extra-alveolar air, such as pneumopericardium, and pneumothorax. It is an uncommon occurrence and typically presents with pleuritic chest discomfort, dyspnea, odynophagia, and neck pain. It is frequently seen following chest trauma or in patients with underlying lung or connective tissue disorders. COVID-19 infection has been linked to spontaneous pneumomediastinum. We present two case reports of pneumomediastinum in two male patients whilst being treated for COVID-19 pneumonia. In one case, the pneumomediastinum was completely spontaneous whilst in the second case it was likely secondary to high flow nasal oxygen therapy. In both cases, patients were treated conservatively, and follow-up chest imaging showed complete resolution. One should keep in mind the possibility of such complication and have a low threshold for chest imaging in patients failing to improve or have sudden deterioration.