Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 Unrelated to Mechanical Ventilation: A Case Report

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Pneumomediastinum is a rare disease associated with barotrauma and uncommonly occurs in viral pneumonia. Although the underlying mechanism of the incidence of pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients is not fully understood, barotrauma is the most probable cause. CASE REPORT We reported a case of a 27-year-old woman with the chief complaint that was shortness of breath and diagnosed with COVID-19 based on reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction examination. On the 6th day after being admitted to the hospital, suddenly, the intensity of dyspnea was increased with the decrease of oxygen saturation. Computerized tomography of the chest confirmed pneumomediastinum and pneumonia COVID-19. There was no improvement of symptoms after oxygen and steroid administration. Emergency thoracotomy was not performed;yet, and the patient has died. CONCLUSIONS: Although pneumomediastinum is benign disease and self-limited disease, the presents of pneumomediastinum may relate to worse outcomes in COVID-19 infections.