Spontaneously Resolving Pneumoperitoneum and Pneumomediastinum: A Report of Two Cases.

We present here an interesting case report of two patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and iatrogenic pneumoperitoneum. The patients were assessed and queried following a chest X-ray abnormality and query based on the history of recent urological procedures on a background of awaiting gastro-oesophageal surgery at a tertiary centre respectively. Although these patients were successfully managed with the best supportive approach and periodic imaging review, it remains important to be aware that fatalities have been reported in the literature. We hope this case report will help those involved in the care of the patient to be aware of these conditions as differentials when history points towards episodes of coughing or recent surgical input.

Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum Induced by a Combination of Flu-A Infection and E-cigarettes: A Case Report.

Pneumomediastinum (PM) and subcutaneous emphysema are characterized by extra-alveolar air within the mediastinum and subcutaneous tissue. PM may occur spontaneously or due to trauma or an underlying airway disease. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) may be caused by intractable vomiting, forceful coughing, child birthing, or performing a Valsalva maneuver. However, there are limited studies or case reports that present a combination of influenza A infection and electronic cigarette (e-cigarette)-induced SPM. This case report presents SPM in a previously healthy 20-year-old female with untreated influenza A infection and a history of e-cigarette use who presented to the emergency department with fever, cough, chest pain, dyspnea, and vomiting. Her physical examination was significant for neck tenderness, subcutaneous neck crepitus, and increased respiratory effort. Diagnostic evaluation included a chest X-ray and chest computed tomography that revealed PM with subcutaneous emphysema extending into the neck, as well as a negative Gastrografin study. She was treated conservatively and discharged after two days, with a follow-up scheduled at a pulmonary clinic. This case report highlights the need for a detailed substance use history, particularly e-cigarette use, when determining the etiology of SPM in a previously healthy patient. Management for SPM is conservative and should include addressing underlying etiologies with special attention to cessation and education of e-cigarettes and illicit substances.

Application of collagen matrix (DuraGen®) to reduce subcutaneous emphysema in canine dorsal rhinotomy.

This retrospective case study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of collagen matrix (DuraGen®) in preventing subcutaneous emphysema, a common complication following dorsal rhinotomy. Six client-owned dogs diagnosed with nasal masses using computed tomography were included in this study. Dorsal rhinotomy was performed, and a collagen matrix was used to seal bone defects before fixation of the nasal bone flap. Following collagen matrix application, all dogs recovered without notable complications. These findings suggest that the collagen matrix is a reliable and safe intervention for mitigating subcutaneous emphysema after dorsal rhinotomy.

Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19: Risk factors and outcomes from a multicentre case-control study.

BACKGROUND: An increased incidence of pneumomediastinum has been observed among patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pneumonia. The study aimed to identify risk factors for COVID-19-associated pneumomediastinum and investigate the impact of pneumomediastinum on clinical outcomes. METHODS: In this multicentre retrospective case-control study, we included consecutive patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and pneumomediastinum hospitalized from March 2020 to July 2020 at ten centres; then, we identified a similarly sized control group of consecutive patients hospitalized with COVID-19 pneumonia and respiratory failure who did not develop pneumomediastinum during the same period. Clinical, laboratory, and radiological characteristics, as well as respiratory support and outcomes, were collected and compared between the two groups. Risk factors of pneumomediastinum were assessed by multivariable logistic analysis. RESULTS: Overall 139 patients with pneumomediastinum and 153 without pneumomediastinum were analysed. Lung involvement ≥75 %, consolidations, body mass index (BMI) < 22 kg/m2, C-reactive protein (CRP) > 150 mg/L, D-dimer >3000 ng/mL FEUs, and smoking exposure >20 pack-year were all independently correlated with the occurrence of pneumomediastinum. Patients with pneumomediastinum had a longer hospital stay (mean ± SD 31.2 ± 20.2 days vs 19.6 ± 14.2, p < 0.001), higher intubation rate (73/139, 52.5 % vs 27/153, 17.6 %, p < 0.001), and in-hospital mortality (68/139, 48.9 % vs 36/153, 23.5 %, p < 0.001) compared to controls. CONCLUSIONS: Extensive lung parenchyma involvement, consolidations, low BMI, high inflammatory markers, and tobacco exposure are associated with a greater risk of pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 pneumonia. This complication significantly worsens the outcomes.

A Case of Tension Subcutaneous Emphysema Treated With Minimally Invasive Open-Window Thoracostomy Using a Wound Protector/Retractor and Three-Sided Taping.

Subcutaneous emphysema is a common complication of thoracic surgery. Tension subcutaneous emphysema that causes airway obstruction is rare but life-threatening. This report presents a patient who developed tension subcutaneous emphysema after recurrent secondary pneumothorax surgery which was treated with minimally invasive open-window thoracostomy. A wound protector/retractor and three-sided taping were successfully used to prevent air from entering the subcutaneous space via the wound while draining trapped air without creating an open pneumothorax. This approach is an option for managing subcutaneous and intrathoracic air leakage in emergency situations.

Clinical Conundrum: Unveiling a Unique Presentation of Hypopharyngeal Carcinoma.

Dysphagia is a common symptom encountered in clinical practice, typically associated with a wide range of etiologies, including structural abnormalities, inflammatory conditions, neoplasms, and neurological disorders. However, the combination of subcutaneous emphysema, vocal cord palsy, enlarged arytenoids, and pooling of saliva in a dysphagic patient represents a rare and intriguing presentation. A 33-year-old female presented at a tertiary care hospital in Western India with hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, productive cough, and neck pain for two months with an abrupt increase in the severity of all symptoms in two days. A history of chewable tobacco use for six years was disclosed. Clinical evaluation revealed a thin build with platynychia and conjunctival pallor, dental staining, drooling of saliva, the presence of extensive subcutaneous emphysema on palpation of the neck, and absent laryngeal crepitus. Endoscopic evaluation was suggestive of right vocal cord palsy and enlarged, congested arytenoid cartilages, post-cricoid growth with pooling of saliva in bilateral pyriform fossae. A CT scan of the neck showed a 2x3 cm neoplastic growth in the hypopharynx, with subcutaneous emphysema and free air foci in the head and neck region, prompting an immediate tracheostomy and biopsy of the hypopharyngeal growth with Ryle's tube insertion. Squamous cell carcinoma was confirmed on the biopsy report. Due to its rarity, the possible underlying cause of idiopathic subcutaneous emphysema should be sought whenever encountered in clinical practice since these patients are potentially misdiagnosed. A high index of suspicion among clinicians, along with a consideration of the constellation of other symptoms and clinical features of a possible underlying hypopharyngeal cancer whenever encountering such patients is of key importance for prompting further investigations and treatment.

Subcutaneous Emphysema Complicating the Convalescent Stage of Measles in a Malnourished Indigent Child: A Case Report From North-Western Nigeria.

Measles is a highly infectious, vaccine-preventable viral disease that runs a devastating course in developing countries due to its association with malnutrition and poor immunization coverage. Subcutaneous emphysema (SE) is a rare complication of measles that can be challenging to manage and may portend poor outcomes if untreated. We present a case of a two-year-old unimmunized rural dweller who presented with facial, neck, and chest swellings three days after being managed for measles exanthem from a referral hospital. Clinical findings were consistent with massive SE comorbid with malnutrition complicating the convalescent stage of measles. The child failed to improve with conservative management but responded to closed thoracostomy tube drainage (CTTD) through an underwater seal bottle with intermittent negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT). The child spent 47 days in the hospital during which the social welfare unit of the hospital supported the treatment. SE is a rare complication of measles infection that can be challenging to manage, especially when comorbid with malnutrition in an indigent child. The application of a multidisciplinary team approach and the use of CTTD with NPWT may shorten the duration of hospital stay for the patient.

A Case Report of Conservatively Managed Boerhaave Syndrome.

Boerhaave syndrome is an esophagal perforation due to a rupture of the esophagus wall caused by intense vomiting with mediastinitis and subcutaneous emphysema. It is a relatively rare and potentially life-threatening ailment that requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. This case presents an overview of the syndrome, including morbidity, mortality, and treatment strategy. In this case, a 56-year-old male presented to the hospital during emergency hours with shortness of breath, chest pain, and dullness in the neck and a history of binge alcohol abuse seven days ago, followed by a severe bout of vomiting. The patient was managed conservatively, requiring another hospitalization for surgery, and was later discharged from the hospital postoperatively without any complications.

Subcutaneous Emphysema of Periorbital and Canine Space Following Endodontic Treatment.

Emphysema of the subcutaneous tissue is an uncommon complication of dental procedures. Certain dental surgical procedures, such as extraction of teeth using air-driven handpieces and endodontic procedures are more prone to cause subcutaneous emphysema. Subcutaneous emphysema is typically self-limiting and only in a few instances has an impact on the long-term health of the patient. Patients with subcutaneous emphysema experience pain, distress and inconvenience. This paper presents a case of subcutaneous emphysema of the right canine and periorbital space following endodontic treatment of the upper right front tooth.

The clinical application of incisional negative pressure wound therapy in severe subcutaneous emphysema: A case series.

Severe subcutaneous emphysema (SSE) is the presence of a high-volume accumulation of air in the subcutaneous tissue caused by traumatic injuries, infections, iatrogenic causes, or can also manifest spontaneously. A variety of techniques have been reported, with varying levels of success. We present a multicenter case series detailing four patients who developed SSE and were treated with Incisional Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (INPWT). All patients significantly improved with the INPWT treatment within 6 to 48 h. Our experience suggests INPWT is a valuable procedure available for treating SSE and recommend prospective randomized studies be conducted to determine targeted patient selection and clinical application of INPWT among the SSE patient population.

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.

The Development of Extensive Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Robotic Total Abdominal Colectomy Due to Lynch Syndrome: A Case Report.

Subcutaneous emphysema, the presence of air in the subcutaneous layer of the skin, is a possible result of surgical, infectious, or spontaneous etiologies. Although usually self-limiting, the development of subcutaneous emphysema in the perioperative period has been associated with delayed extubation and the development of complications such as pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and pneumothorax and can worsen clinical outcomes in these patients. Here, we report the case of a 57-year-old male patient who presented to the operating room (OR) for a robotic total colectomy due to Lynch syndrome. The procedure was complicated by the development of diffuse, severe subcutaneous emphysema, which was recognized by palpable crepitus and obscuration of anatomical landmarks during an attempted transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block for pain control prior to patient extubation. The decision was made to leave the patient intubated and managed postoperatively in the ICU, where radiographic and computerized tomography (CT) scans confirmed the severity of subcutaneous emphysema. Hemodynamic and respiratory status were managed in the ICU and on postoperative day 3 the patient passed an endotracheal cuff leak test and was extubated. The patient was transferred to a surgical step-down on postoperative day 7 and following the resolution of ileus and acute kidney injury (AKI), he was discharged from the hospital on postoperative day 17.

Neumomediastino espontáneo: una manifestación extramuscular de la dermatomiositis anti-MDA5. Reporte de 2 casos / Spontaneous pneumomediastinum: An extra muscular manifestation of anti-MDA5 dermatomyositis. Report of 2 cases

El uso de anticuerpos específicos en miopatías inflamatorias ha mejorado la caracterización de esta enfermedad identificando distintos fenotipos clínicos. Los pacientes con dermatomiositis y anticuerpos anti-MDA5 muestran síntomas típicos en la piel, un menor compromiso muscular y una prevalencia de enfermedad pulmonar intersticial de hasta el 91%. Además de la enfermedad pulmonar intersticial, se ha identificado el neumomediastino espontáneo como una manifestación pulmonar rara pero potencialmente mortal. Se reportan 2 casos de esta manifestación en pacientes con dermatomiositis anti-MDA5.(AU)

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

Hoarseness due to subcutaneous emphysema: a rare presentation of diverticular perforation.

Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema usually result from alveolar rupture and rarely from colonic perforation. Although steroid use has been shown to increase the risk of complicated diverticulitis, there is limited data on the role Addison's disease may play in the development of colonic perforation. We present a rare case of a patient with Addison's disease who presented with hoarseness and was found to have massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumoretroperitoneum secondary to complicated diverticulitis.

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.

Subcutaneous Emphysema Following Tonsillectomy: A Rare Complication of a Common Surgery.

Post-tonsillectomy emphysema is an infrequent yet critical complication that follows tonsillectomy - a prevalent surgical procedure for treating conditions like recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea. While tonsillectomy is generally safe, it is not without risks, including the rare occurrence of postoperative emphysema, where air accumulates abnormally in the neck and head's soft tissues, potentially leading to severe respiratory distress. We present a case of a middle-aged female who underwent tonsillectomy and subsequently developed symptoms indicative of post-tonsillectomy emphysema. Diagnosed through a combination of physical examination and imaging, her treatment involved conservative management and careful monitoring, ultimately resulting in full recovery without the need for surgical intervention.

Tracheostomy Complications: Insights from a Two-Year, 15-Case Analysis at a Tertiary Care Facility.

The objective of this case series was to analyse the complications that arise from tracheostomy procedures conducted in a tertiary healthcare facility throughout a two-year timeframe. Fifteen occurrences of complications were observed out of the 100 tracheostomies that were studied, suggesting a prevalence rate of 15%. The detected complications included subcutaneous emphysema, misplacement of the tube, infection at the surgical site, and tracheal stenosis, among various others. Considerable indications of complication were identified, encompassing variables such as age and a history of head and neck cancer. The findings of this study highlight the significance of personalized patient care, vigilant monitoring, and proactive measures for individuals receiving tracheostomy. Further investigations are necessary to validate these findings and improve patient safety and outcomes in the realm of tracheostomy surgeries.

Subcutaneous emphysema associated with laparoscopic or robotic abdominal surgery: a retrospective single-center study.

BACKGROUND: Subcutaneous emphysema (SCE) is a common complication in laparoscopic surgery. However, its precise incidence and impact on the clinical course are partially known. In this study, the incidence and risk factors of SCE were retrospectively analyzed. METHODS: Patients who underwent laparoscopic/robotic abdominal surgery (e.g., gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, gynecologic, and urologic surgery) between October 2019 and September 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The presence of SCE was confirmed by either conclusive findings obtained through chest/abdominal X-ray examination immediately after operation, or intraoperative palpation conducted by nurses. X-ray examination was performed in the operation room before extubation. RESULTS: A total of 2503 patients treated with laparoscopic/robotic abdominal surgery between October 2019 and September 2022 were identified and all of them were included in the analysis. SCE was confirmed in 23.1% of the patients (i.e., 577/2503). SCE was identified by X-ray examination in 97.6% of the patients. Extubation failure was observed in 10 patients; however, pneumothorax was not observed. Female sex (odds ratio [OR]: 2.09; 95% confidence interval [95%CI]: 1.69-2.57), age ≥ 80 years (OR 1.63; 95%CI 1.19-2.22), body mass index < 20 (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.06-1.65), operation time > 360 min (OR 1.97; 95%CI 1.53-2.54), robotic surgery (OR 2.54; 95%CI 1.91-3.38), maximum intraabdominal pressure with CO2 > 15 mmHg (OR 1.79; 95%CI 1.02-3.16), and endo-tidal CO2 > 50 mmHg (OR 1.32; 95%CI 1.08-1.62)were identified as independent factors of SCE. Regarding the extubation failure due to SCE, age (OR 5.84; 95%CI 1.27-26.8) and maximum intraabdominal pressure with CO2 (OR 21.7; 95%CI 4.76-99.3) were identified as risk factors. CONCLUSION: Although the presence of SCE is associated with a low risk of severe complications, monitoring of the perioperative intraabdominal pressure is essential for performing safe laparoscopic/robotic surgery, particularly in elderly patients.