A case of uncontrolled severe asthma patient with coexisting carcinoid tumor presenting as pneumomediastinum.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: Patients with inadequately controlled or uncontrolled asthma are at a greater risk of attacks for asthma requiring emergency room visits or hospital admissions. There is a significant correlation between the severity of the disease and the severity of exacerbations. Patients with poorly controlled asthma are at a higher risk for complications. CASE STUDY We present a 24-year-old aspirin-intolerant, uncontrolled asthma patient with the complication of pneumomediastinum. RESULTS: Severe symptoms persisted after the resolution of the pneumomediastinum despite intense anti-inflammatory and anti-obstructive therapy. A bronchoscopy revealed an endobronchial lesion and she was diagnosed with a carcinoid tumor. CONCLUSION: This case is an example of the importance of re-evaluating asthma patients who do not respond to standard medical treatment. Clinicians should be aware of the complications associated with asthma attacks such as pneumomediastinum and the possibility of a differential diagnosis that worsen asthma symptoms such as a carcinoid tumor.