Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and bilateral subcutaneous emphysema; a rare case presentation in Asthmatic patient

Abstract

The presence of free air or gas in the mediastinal structures and the pericardial sac without a clear precipitating cause is known as spontaneous medialstinal emphysema (pneumomediastinum) and pneumopericardium. Young, healthy persons without a major underlying lung condition are less likely to experience it.  Here we presented a 15 years old female known asthmatic patient presented with sudden onset of shortness of breath, dry cough and swelling over the neck down to the abdomen. This patient was managed with asthmatic medication and oxygen conservatively and discharged from the hospital with significant improvement. Spontaneous pneumomediatinum should be taken into consideration after excluding out common illnesses when a youngster complains of chest pain or tightness. Clinical characteristics and a chest CT scan can be used to diagnose SPM. Most patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema had mild to moderate sequel and responded well to conservative therapy