Conservative Management of Large Post-Intubation Tracheal Laceration.

ABSTRACT: Tracheal rupture is a very rare but life-threatening complication of endotracheal intubation. It is more common in women and patients older than 50 years old. Overinflation of endotracheal tube cuff and tracheal wall weakening are the most important pathogenetic mechanisms. Laceration sites are located in the posterior membranous wall in most cases. Subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema and respiratory distress are the most common manifestations. A 55-year-old female presented with postoperative subcutaneous and mediastinal emphysema without dyspnea because of a tear in the posterior tracheal wall. The diagnosis was based on clinical manifestation, chest computer tomography scans (CT), and endoscopic findings. A conservative approach by broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy was decided because of patients' vital signs stability and the absence of esophageal injury. The follow-up showed that there was no lesion in the posterior tracheal wall. Our case showed that in clinically stable patients without mediastinitis and with spontaneous breathing, conservative management of tracheal tears is a safe procedure.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum - Hamman´s syndrome.

This case study presents a rare case of a 29-year-old woman with spontaneous pneumomediastinum who was treated in the emergency department for subjective dyspnea, rhinitis, and a subjectively reported increasing swelling of the throat. The clinical presentation was only characterized by crepitus in the neck and supraclavicular areas. CT scan of the neck and chest revealed massive emphysema of the soft tissues of the neck, chest, the right side of the face, and pneumomediastinum extending to the diaphragm. Based on the clinical presentation and imaging findings, which were consulted with thoracic surgeons, we assessed the condition as benign spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The patient was treated conservatively and discharged from the hospital on the third day of hospitalization with the need of aftercare.

Hemodynamic instability caused by pneumorrachis and pneumomediastinum following epidural analgesia: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Pneumomediastinum and pneumorrachis are rare complications following epidural analgesia, that can either be asymptomatic or rarely can produce mild to moderate severity symptoms. Most reported cases regarding the presentation of these two entities with epidural analgesia concern asymptomatic patients, however there are cases reporting post-dural puncture headache and respiratory manifestations. CASE PRESENTATION: We present a case where a combined lumbar epidural and spinal anesthesia was performed using the loss of resistance to air technique (LOR), on a 78-year-old Greek (Caucasian) male undergoing a total hip replacement. Despite being hemodynamically stable throughout the operation, two hours following epidural analgesia the patient manifested a sudden drop in blood pressure and heart rate that required the administration of adrenaline to counter. Pneumomediastinum, pneumorrachis and paravertebral soft tissue emphysema were demonstrated in a Computed Tomography scan. We believe that injected air from the epidural space and surrounding tissues slowly moved towards the mediastinum, stimulating the para-aortic ganglia causing parasympathetic stimulation and therefore hypotension and bradycardia. CONCLUSION: Anesthesiologists should be aware that epidural analgesia using the LOR to technique injecting air could produce a pneumomediastinum and pneumorrachis, which in turn could produce hemodynamic instability via parasympathetic stimulation.

Pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum and pneumomediastinum: rare complications of perforation peritonitis: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Gas extravasation complications arising from perforated diverticulitis are common but manifestations such as pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum happening at the same time are exceedingly rare. This case report explores the unique presentation of these 3 complications occurring simultaneously, their diagnosis and their management, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration for accurate diagnosis and effective management. CASE PRESENTATION: A 74-year-old North African female, with a medical history including hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes, goiter, prior cholecystectomy, and bilateral total knee replacement, presented with sudden-onset pelvic pain, chronic constipation, and rectal bleeding. Clinical examination revealed hemodynamic instability, hypoxemia, and diffuse tenderness. After appropriate fluid resuscitation with norepinephrine and saline serum, the patient was stable enough to undergo computed tomography scan. Emergency computed tomography scan confirmed perforated diverticulitis at the rectosigmoid junction, accompanied by the unprecedented presence of pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum. The patient underwent prompt surgical intervention with colo-rectal resection and a Hartmann colostomy. The postoperative course was favorable, leading to discharge one week after admission. CONCLUSIONS: This case report highlights the clinical novelty of gas extravasation complications in perforated diverticulitis. The unique triad of pneumoperitoneum, pneumoretroperitoneum, and pneumomediastinum in a 74-year-old female underscores the diagnostic challenges and the importance of advanced imaging techniques. The successful collaboration between radiologists and surgeons facilitated a timely and accurate diagnosis, enabling a minimally invasive surgical approach. This case contributes to the understanding of atypical presentations of diverticulitis and emphasizes the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork in managing such rare manifestations.

Tracheal Schwannoma Presenting as Subcutaneous Emphysema and Pneumomediastinum.

Primary tracheal schwannomas are rare benign tumours. This is a case report, and therefore, no specific methods or results are applicable. We here report a case of a tracheal schwannoma in an early adolescent girl presenting with subcutaneous emphysema and symptoms of airway obstruction. Tracheal resection and reconstruction by primary anastomosis were performed. Pathology confirmed the diagnosis of tracheal schwannoma. This is an unusual life-threatening presentation of a benign rare tracheal tumour with a challenging approach to management.

Anti-synthetase syndrome in a child with pneumomediastinum: a case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Anti-synthetase syndrome (ASS) is a group of rare clinical subtypes within inflammatory myopathies, predominantly affecting adult females. Instances of critical illness associated with ASS in children are even rarer. CASE PRESENTATION: We report the case of a 7-year-old boy finally diagnosed with ASS, combined with pneumomediastinum. He presented with intermittent fever persisting for 12 days, paroxysmal cough for 11 days, chest pain, and shortness of breath for 4 days, prompting admission to our hospital. Pre-admission chest CT revealed diffuse pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous pneumatosis in the neck and bilateral chest wall, consolidation, atelectasis, and reticular nodular shadowing in both lungs, as well as pericardial effusion and bilateral pleural effusions. Laboratory tests revealed a positive result for serum MP immunoglobulin M (MP-IgM) and MP immunoglobulin G (MP-IgG). The patient was initially diagnosed with mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection, and following 3 days of antibiotic treatment, the patient's tachypnea worsened. Positive results in muscle enzyme antibody tests included anti-PL-12 antibody IgG, anti-Jo-1 antibody IgG, and anti-RO-52 antibody IgG. Ultrasonography detected moderate effusions in the right shoulder, bilateral elbow, and knee joints. Corticosteroids pulse therapy was initiated on the 27th day following disease onset, and continued for 3 days, followed by sequential therapy for an additional 12 days. The child was discharged on the 43rd day, and subsequent follow-up revealed a significant improvement in consolidation and interstitial lesions in both lungs. CONCLUSIONS: ASS in children may combine with rapidly progressive interstitial lung disease (RPILD) and pneumomediastinum. It is crucial to promptly identify concurrent immunologic abnormalities during the outbreak of MP, particularly when the disease exhibits rapid progression with ineffective conventional antibiotic therapy.

A 25-Year-Old Man with a History of Substance Abuse Presenting with Pneumomediastinum Due to Methamphetamine Vapor Inhalation.

BACKGROUND There has been an increase in the use of inhalation methods to abuse drugs, including freebasing crack cocaine (alkaloid) and inhaling methamphetamine vapor. This report is of a 25-year-old man with a history of substance abuse presenting with pneumomediastinum due to methamphetamine vapor inhalation. Acute pneumomediastinum is an extremely rare complication of methamphetamine use. CASE REPORT A 25-year-old man was treated for polysubstance abuse following 9 days of methamphetamine abuse. EKG did not show any ST &T change. D-dimer was normal, at 0.4 mg/L, so we did not do further work-up for pulmonary embolism. His chest pain worsened in the Emergency Department (ED), and a physical exam demonstrated crepitation of the posterior neck, trapezius, and right scapula. A portable chest X-ray revealed subcutaneous air over the right scapular region, in addition to pneumomediastinum. The urine drug screen test was positive for methamphetamine. A chest CT was ordered, which showed a moderate-volume pneumomediastinum with soft-tissue air tracking into the lower neck and along the right chest wall. The patient underwent an esophagogram, which showed no air leak, and Boerhaave's syndrome was ruled out. His symptoms improved and he did not require any surgical intervention. CONCLUSIONS Considering the higher rates of illicit substance use, especially methamphetamine, it is important to pay attention to the associated pathologies and to keep spontaneous pneumomediastinum on the list of differentials for patients using methamphetamine, particularly those who inhale it, which can cause pneumomediastinum, even without Boerhaave's syndrome.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: An extra muscular manifestation of anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis. Report of 2 cases.

The use of specific antibodies in inflammatory myopathies has improved the characterization of this disease, identifying different clinical phenotypes. Patients with dermatomyositis (DM) and anti-MDA5 antibodies display typical skin symptoms, lesser muscular involvement, and a prevalence of interstitial lung disease (ILD) of up to 91%. Beyond ILD, spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SN) has been identified as a rare but potentially fatal pulmonary manifestation. Two cases of this complication in patients with anti-MDA5 DM are reported.

Trivial trauma to the cheek: significant complications in the chest.

A man in his 30s presented to the emergency department with a history of injury to the face with a crowbar. He was discharged from the department, in the absence of any facial bone fractures and given normal examination findings, except for a puncture wound on the mentum. The patient then re-presented within 24 hours with extensive cervical emphysema extending into the mediastinal cavity.He was referred to ear, nose and throat team for further management. CT scan of the chest and neck showed extensive surgical emphysema and a pneumomediastinum. The patient was managed conservatively and recovered well with no significant sequelae.Even in the absence of facial bone fractures, it is imperative to understand the force of impact which should prompt a consideration of imaging of the chest. Appropriate advice regarding avoidance of Valsalva manoeuvres will help prevent extensive propagation of air through the fascial planes that can result in a pneumomediastinum.

Management of Pediatric Patients With Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: A Retrospective Chart Review.

PURPOSE: Given the paucity of data on pediatric spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM), management is largely informed by extrapolation from adult studies or personal clinical experience, resulting in significant heterogeneity. The purpose of this study was to describe how pediatric patients with SPM are clinically managed at our institution and propose a treatment algorithm. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients with SPM from April 2002 to December 2021 at a single Canadian tertiary care center. Data on medical history, presentation characteristics, clinical management, and complications were gathered. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze data. RESULTS: We identified 63 patients for inclusion, median age was 15 years. Twenty-nine patients were transferred from another facility. Most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (72.3%), shortness of breath (44.6%), and subcutaneous emphysema (21.5%). Initial workup included chest x-ray (93.6%), CT scan (20.6%), and upper GI series (7.9%). There was no difference in the number of initial tests between admitted and discharged patients (p = 0.10). Of admitted patients (n = 35), 31.4% had primary SPM (no underlying comorbidity/inciting event) and 68.8% were secondary SPM (underlying comorbidity/inciting event). No patients with primary SPM developed complications or recurrences. In contrast, 16.7% of those with secondary SPM developed complications and 54.2% had at least one additional intervention after admission. DISCUSSION: There is significant variability in diagnostic investigation and treatment of pediatric SPM at our center. Amongst primary SPM, additional tests did not change complication rate or recurrence, including those transferred from another facility. An expeditious treatment algorithm is warranted. TYPE OF STUDY: Retrospective Cohort Study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.

The unnecessary workups and admissions of adolescents and young adults with spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare condition in children and young adults that raises concern for esophageal perforation or extension of an air leak, resulting in admissions with multiple interventions performed. To assess our outcomes, and to evaluate our resource utilization, we reviewed our experience with SPM. We conducted a retrospective review of SPM cases in patients aged 5-25 years old occurring between 2011 and 2021 at a single academic tertiary care center. Clinical, demographic, and outcome variables were collected and analyzed, and cohorts were compared using Fischer's Exact Test and Welch's T Test. 166 SPM cases were identified-all of which were Emergency Department (ED) presentations. 84% of the cases were admitted. 70% had Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, with no defined criteria for imaging. Comparison of floor admissions with discharges from the ED showed no significant difference in presenting symptoms, demographics, or outcomes between the two groups. Recurrence was noted in 4 patients with a range of 5.9 months-4.9 years from the initial episode. In the largest SPM study in the pediatric and young adult population, we noted no significant difference in management or outcomes in admitted or ED discharge patients nor those with CT imaging. Our results suggest that a large number of SPM can be managed safely with discharge from the ED.

Evaluating emergency department visits for spontaneous and traumatic pneumomediastinum: a retrospective analysis.

BACKGROUND: Pneumomediastinum signifies the accumulation of air within the mediastinum. This condition can develop sponta-neously or as a secondary condition due to trauma or iatrogenic causes. Although rare, it is part of a wide differential diagnosis scale due to its most common presenting symptoms: chest pain and shortness of breath. METHODS: Our study is a retrospective, observational, and cohort investigation. It included patients who presented to the emer-gency department and were diagnosed with pneumomediastinum through computed tomography. The study evaluated patients' so-ciodemographic features, methods of presentation, chest tube insertion, other surgical procedures, outcomes, and patient dispositions. The primary outcome of the study focused on the results of traumatic and spontaneous pneumomediastinum: hospital admission, the necessity for thoracostomy tube insertion, requirement for surgical procedures, and mortality. The secondary aim was to determine the relationship between other clinical features and laboratory parameters and their impact on the outcomes. RESULTS: The study comprised 67 cases. The average age of the cases was 44.89±2.41 years. Of the cases, 67.2% (n=45) were male. In terms of development, 40.3% (n=27) of cases were classified as spontaneous, and 59.7% (n=40) were post-trauma pneumomediasti-num diagnoses. Among symptoms, 50.7% (n=34) of patients experienced dyspnea, and 49.3% (n=33) presented with chest pain, while symptoms like cough, fever, nausea, vomiting, and swallowing difficulty were reported in varying proportions. Among the patients, 9.0% (n=6) had lung disease, 29.9% (n=20) had comorbidities, 3.0% (n=2) had a history of substance use, 14.9% (n=10) underwent thoracostomy tube insertion, and 20.9% (n=14) required surgical procedures. While 35.8% (n=24) of the patients were admitted to the intensive care unit, 13.4% (n=9) died. The mean total hospital stay was calculated as 8.68±1.12 days. No statistically significant relationship was found between the development of pneumomediastinum and hospital admission (p=0.507). CONCLUSION: Upon examining the causes of pneumomediastinum cases, it was observed that patients with a history of trauma required thoracostomy tube insertion and surgical intervention more frequently. However, when classified as spontaneous or trau-matic, both groups exhibited similar clinical courses and outcomes. Both groups demonstrated favorable clinical outcomes.

Clinical characteristics of pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum in mechanical ventilated patients with coronavirus disease 2019: a case series.

BACKGROUND: Pneumothorax (PTX) and pneumomediastinum (PM) have been reported as potential complications in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19); however, their risk factors and etiology remain unknown. Herein, we investigated the clinical characteristics of mechanically ventilated patients with COVID-19 with PTX or PM. METHODS: We examined patients with severe COVID-19 requiring mechanical ventilation who were admitted to the intensive care unit of a tertiary-level emergency medical center in Tokyo, Japan between April 1, 2020. and October 31, 2021. We collected and analyzed the clinical characteristics of the patients who presented with either PTX or PM during mechanical ventilation. RESULTS: During the study period, a total of 165 patients required mechanical ventilation, and 15 patients with PTX/PM during mechanical ventilation were selected. Three patients with obvious causes were excluded, and the remaining 12 patients were analyzed (7.3%). The mortality rate in these patients was as high as 50%, demonstrating the difficulty of treatment in the presence of PTX/PM. PTX/PM occurred 14.5 days after intubation. A peak pressure of > 30 cmH2O was only apparent in one patient, suggesting that high positive pressure ventilation may be less involved than mentioned in the literature. In addition, the inspiratory effort was not strong in our group of patients. (P0.1 was 2.1 cm H2O [1.0-3.8]). CONCLUSION: Various factors are associated with the development of PTX/PM in patients on mechanical ventilation for COVID-19. We did not find a strong correlation between PTM/PM and barotrauma or strong inspiratory efforts, which have been identified as potential causes in previous studies.

Occult paraquat poisoning causing pneumomediastinum and organizing pneumonia.

Pneumomediastinum is not an uncommon manifestation of lung toxicity in acute paraquat ingestion. The condition is almost invariably seen with other lung parenchymal abnormalities such as consolidations, ground-glass opacities and interlobular septal thickening. The diagnosis may be challenging in cases with no history of toxin exposure, presentation with a subacute illness and/or absence of typical local or systemic features of paraquat toxicity.

Sore throat as the herald of spontaneous pneumomediastinum.

This report emphasizes the need of investigating spontaneous pneumomediastinum in adolescent patients who have unusual respiratory symptoms by describing a rare case of it in a 16-year-old guy. Although the first symptom exhibited resemblance to common respiratory infections, a full physical assessment disclosed important markers, eventually establishing the diagnosis by imaging. Medical workers should consider spontaneous pneumomediastinum as a possible diagnosis, especially when symptoms overlap with those of more common illnesses, as illustrated by this example. Detecting subtle clinical signs, such as the presence of palpable crepitus in the neck area, can greatly aid in the timely and accurate diagnosis of medical disorders, reducing the chances of incorrect diagnoses and ensuring appropriate treatment. Our work significantly contributes to the understanding and awareness of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in pediatric patients, with the ultimate aim of improving patient treatment.