Subcutaneous emphysema and spontaneous pneumomediastinum in non-intubated COVID-19 patient: The first case report in Syria

Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2021 Dec:72:103074. doi: 10.1016/j.amsu.2021.103074. Epub 2021 Nov 19.

Abstract

The complications of covid-19 may include pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), multi-organ failure, septic shock, and death. Subcutaneous emphysema with as a complication of covid-19 has been documented in a few cases in the medical literature as case reports. A 36-year-old patient with covid-19 complained of symptoms of fever and dyspnea with no history of trauma or smoking. After computed tomography scan and x-ray, it was found that there was Subcutaneous emphysema and spontaneous pneumomediastinum. The medical treatment of corticosteroids and intravenous anticoagulant was immediately performed to improve the patient's condition significantly. The patient was discharged with nearly full recovery. We did the following-up for the patient and the results were good. The combination of these two complication is a reality for Covid-19 patients, so a quick and accurate diagnosis and continuous follow-up should be taken into account to avoid the danger to the patient's life as a result of the formed dyspnea.

Keywords: Case report; Non-intubated COVID-19 patient; Spontaneous pneumomediastinum; Subcutaneous emphysema.

Publication types

  • Case Reports