Pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema—a rare complication in COVID-19 infection

Abstract

Abstract Background Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has become a global pandemic and is posing a serious public health problem for almost all countries. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum, a rare condition, is usually seen in patients with underlying pulmonary pathology, infections, or mechanical ventilation. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare complication in COVID-19 pneumonia. Case presentation We report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, and subcutaneous emphysema in a 62-year-old diabetic patient with COVID-19 infection who presented with cough, fever, and breathlessness, which turned to be a fatal complication. Conclusion Pneumomediastinum/subcutaneous emphysema, a not so common complication associated with COVID-19 infection, should be considered as a bad prognostic indicator of worsening disease and hence requires early recognition and careful monitoring of the patient for any possible unfavorable outcome.

Keywords

• Case report
• Pneumomediastinum
• Subcutaneous emphysema
• COVID-19