Coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia with concomitant spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema in a non-ventilated patient, complicated by pulmonary embolism: a case report

J Med Case Rep. 2025 Dec 13;20(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s13256-025-05522-6.

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema are life-threatening complications of coronavirus disease 2019. Concomitant presentation of all three with further complication by pulmonary embolism in non-intubated patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is exceedingly rare and can be devastating.

Case presentation: We present a case of concurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema in a non-ventilated, 56-year-old Hispanic male with coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia that was further complicated by extensive pulmonary embolism. In addition to treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 pneumonia, the patient was treated with an innovative strategy by creating a blowhole incision over the chest wall connected to vacuum-assisted closure therapy resulting in rapid clinical improvement. He was also started on systemic anticoagulation therapy for pulmonary embolism. This patient was eventually discharged home in stable condition.

Conclusion: Our case highlights the critical importance of maintaining clinical vigilance of spontaneous pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum, even in patients not undergoing mechanical ventilation. In addition, it demonstrates the utility of vacuum-assisted closure therapy in treating concurrent pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema.

Keywords: COVID-19; Case report; Pneumomediastinum; Pneumothorax; Subcutaneous emphysema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Anticoagulants / therapeutic use
  • COVID-19* / complications
  • COVID-19* / therapy
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mediastinal Emphysema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema* / etiology
  • Mediastinal Emphysema* / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy / methods
  • Pneumothorax* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumothorax* / etiology
  • Pneumothorax* / therapy
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / complications
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / diagnostic imaging
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / etiology
  • Pulmonary Embolism* / therapy
  • SARS-CoV-2
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema* / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema* / etiology
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema* / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed

Substances

  • Anticoagulants