Case Series of Pneumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema in COVID-19 Patients

ABSTRACT

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum has been reported in association with COVID-19. Pneumomediastinum could remain elusive until computed tomogra- phy is performed. Hence, we need to be vigilant even though it generally has a benign clinical course. We presented four confirmed COVID-19 cases with typical ground glass opacity on chest radiograph. All four had the computed tomography that re- vealed pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax and subcutaneous emphysema. Only one patient had pneumomediastinum after intubation. Pneumomediastinum is a devastating finding which should be picked up as early as possible and must be excluded in COVID patients whom deteriorate quickly, as adequate time may pass before any viable intervention can be done to expedite the patients' recovery. Copyright © 2022 Tehran University of Medical Sciences.