A Case Report of Pneumoretroperitoneum from Blunt Trauma in a Patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Abstract

Introduction: Pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of blunt traumatic injury and is thought to be due to the Macklin effect, a pathophysiologic process comprised of three steps: alveolar rupture secondary to blunt injury; air dissecting along bronchovascular sheaths; and spread of pulmonary interstitial edema into the mediastinal space. Pneumomediastinum is rarely associated with pneumoretroperitoneum. Case Report: We present a case of a patient who suffered a cardiac arrest after a fall during a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation, leading to pneumoretroperitoneum. Conclusion: This case highlights the complications that can arise from blunt trauma and how underlying lung pathology can worsen these complications.