Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium in a young male with asthma

Abstract

Introduction

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum with pneumopericardium is an uncommon clinical entity.

Case Study

Here, we report the case of a 23-year-old male with asthma who presented with acute chest pain and shortness of breath after an episode of coughing and sneezing. CT scans of the chest and neck revealed pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium with extensive subcutaneous emphysema extending into the axilla and neck.

Results

The patient was admitted for observation and analgesia. No other interventions were administered. Interval scans performed on day five of the admission demonstrated an interval reduction in the degree of air within the mediastinum, pericardium and subcutaneous tissues, and the patient was subsequently discharged home.

Conclusion

This case outlines the presentation, diagnosis, and management of concurrent spontaneous pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium.

Keywords:

• Spontaneous pneumomediastinum
• spontaneous pneumopericardium
• chest pain
• dyspnea
• cough

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to acknowledge the staff at Monash Medical Centre involved in the care of this patient, in particular Dr. Simon Joosten who was the respiratory physician in charge of this patient’s care during his admission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Ethical approval

Written informed consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this case report.

Additional information

Funding

No funding bodies were involved in this work.