Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients: a case series of a rare complication

Eur J Cardiothorac Surg. 2020 Sep 1;58(3):646-647. doi: 10.1093/ejcts/ezaa222.

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.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019; Mediastinal emphysema; Pneumomediastinum.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • COVID-19
  • COVID-19 Testing
  • Clinical Laboratory Techniques / methods
  • Conservative Treatment*
  • Continuous Positive Airway Pressure / methods
  • Coronavirus Infections / complications*
  • Coronavirus Infections / diagnosis
  • Disease Progression*
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / etiology*
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / therapy*
  • Middle Aged
  • Pandemics
  • Pneumonia, Viral / complications*
  • Pneumonia, Viral / diagnosis
  • Radiography, Thoracic / methods
  • Rare Diseases
  • Risk Assessment
  • Sampling Studies
  • Time Factors
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents