Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum, Pneumothorax, and Subcutaneous Emphysema Complicating H1N1 Virus Infection / 대한내과학회지

ABSTRACT

Since April 2009, outbreaks of the new influenza A (H1N1) virus have occurred worldwide. The spectrum of disease caused by H1N1 infection ranges from non-febrile, mild upper respiratory tract illness to severe or fatal pneumonia. Rapidly progressive respiratory diseases, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome and renal or multi-organ failure, have accounted for severely affected inpatients. Complex cases involving myocarditis, encephalitis, and myositis have been described. However, pulmonary air-leak syndrome, consisting of spontaneous pneumomediastinal emphysema, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema complicating pneumonia with the H1N1 virus, has not previously been reported in Korea. Here, we report a case of pulmonary air-leak syndrome complicating H1N1 infection that was resolved with an antiviral agent, high-flow oxygen, and fluid therapy.