Enfisema subcutâneo generalizado secundário a pneumomediastino em gatinho recém-nascido / Generalized subcutaneous emphysema secondary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten

ABSTRACT

Background: Pneumomediastinum is a rare entity characterized by the introduction of air into the mediastinum. Primaryor spontaneous pneumomediastinum may occur in the absence of any disease whereas secondary pneumomediastinummay be due to a number of precipitating factors. The clinical picture is severe and the onset is acute. The present reportdescribes the clinical presentation, treatment, and the findings of a forensic investigation of a case of generalized subcutaneous emphysema secundary to pneumomediastinum in a newborn kitten.Case A newborn kitten was presented to a veterinary climic with a history of generalized air accumulation in the subcutaneous tissue of acute onset which was noted whenever the animal suckled. Clinical care and radiographic examination wereperformed. Radiographic findings included areas of radiolucency within the subcutis suggestive of generalized subcutaneousemphysema. In the thoracic cavity, there was ventral displacement of the thoracic trachea and increased radiolucency inthe cranial mediastinum suggestive of pneumomediastinum. There was loss of definition of the cervical trachea suggestive of tracheal rupture. Based on the radiographic findings, the clinician decided to aspirate the air accumated within thesubcutis using a needle and a syringe. However, this emphysema rapidly formed after the subcutaneous air was aspirated.Euthanasia was elected due to the poor prognosis and the animal was submitted for necropsy. Main gross findings includedtraumatic intercostal laceration adjacent to the lungs under the axilla and tracheal perforation. Tracheal perforation resultedin persistent air leakage from the trachea causing pneumomediastinum which evolved into generalized subcutaneous emphysema causing the animal to inflate as air became trapped within the subcutis imparting a blown up appearance to thecat. Microscopically pulmonary collapse was observed...