28 August 2012
Pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema and pneumorrhachis as complications of common flu
Varun Patel, Gopal Raval, Keyur GovadiaDOI: 10.12659/AJCR.883332
Am J Case Rep 2012; 13:198-201
Abstract
Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon benign condition that is occasionally associated with subcutaneous emphysema and occasionally with pneumothorax, but is rarely associated with pneumorrhachis (air within the spinal epidural space).
Case Report: We describe the case of a 20-year-old man and discuss a classification system of pneumorrhachis and its pathoanatomy, clinical and radiological presentation and management based on a detailed review of the previous literature. The pathophysiology is multifocal and diagnosis is state-of–the-art, as free intra-spinal air collection and coexistence of it both should be differentiated. Computed tomography with reconstruction of imaging is the method of choice for investigation. Symptoms associated with pneumorrhachis are due to its cause and origin and rarely due to pneumorrhachis, itself. Neurological symptoms and signs due to pressure effect are rarely found, but were present in our case. The management requires a multidisciplinary regimen and has to be individualized. The case was successfully managed conservatively, except for intercostal drainage for symptomatic pneumothorax. The patient stayed at rest and his symptoms improved within a few days. Seven days later the intraspinal air and pneumomediastinum were spontaneously resolved on follow-up chest computed tomography. In spontaneous pneumomediastinum, pneumorrhachis is self-limiting and benign.
Conclusions: The same management is advised in spontaneous pneumomediastinum with or without pneumorrhachis in non-complicated, asymptomatic cases.
Keywords: Air, Epidural Space, non-traumatic, Subcutaneous Emphysema, traumatic
In Press
12 Feb 2024 : Case report
Diagnostic Challenges and Imaging Considerations for Intraparotid Facial Nerve Schwannoma: A Case Report an...Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942870
12 Feb 2024 : Case report
Erdheim-Chester Disease Occult on Radiographs and CT but Visible on MRI and PETAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.941169
12 Feb 2024 : Case report
Surgical Treatment of Spontaneous Superficial Temporal Artery Arteriovenous Malformation: A Case ReportAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.942839
13 Feb 2024 : Case report
Warfarin Woes: A Rare Case of Hemoperitoneum with Intramural Small Bowel HematomaAm J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.943519
Most Viewed Current Articles
10 Jan 2022 : Case report
A Report on the First 7 Sequential Patients Treated Within the C-Reactive Protein Apheresis in COVID (CACOV...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935263
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935263
19 Jul 2022 : Case report
Atlantoaxial Subluxation Secondary to SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Rare Orthopedic Complication from COVID-19DOI :10.12659/AJCR.936128
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e936128
05 Mar 2022 : Case report
Acute Limb Ischemia After Self-Injection of Crushed Morphine Tablets into the Radial Artery: Role of Infrar...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935336
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935336
02 Apr 2022 : Case report
Infective Endocarditis Caused by Pseudomonas luteola in a Pediatric Patient. A Case Report and Review of Li...DOI :10.12659/AJCR.935743
Am J Case Rep 2022; 23:e935743