Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients: a case series of a rare complication
Sara Volpi, Jason M. Ali, ALISHAH SULEMAN, Rahim Nadeem Ahmed
Abstract
Pneumomediastinum is a rare clinical finding, but one which can be the source of significant concern for clinicians. By presenting 3 such cases, we highlight that pneumomediastinum can complicate the course of a severe coronavirus disease 2019 infection but emphasize that conservative management is the first-line method of treatment, with gradual resorption of the air from the tissues. It is important to be alert to the development of pneumothorax, which will require drainage.
Topics & Concepts
PneumomediastinumPneumothoraxMedicineCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)ComplicationIntensive care medicineSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)2019-20 coronavirus outbreakGeneral surgerySurgeryDiseasePediatricsPathologyOutbreakInfectious disease (medical specialty)Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, EmphysemaPleural and Pulmonary DiseasesAbdominal Surgery and Complications