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Medicina 2023Hamman's syndrome, or spontaneous pneumomediastinum, is the presence of air in the mediastinum without a history of previous pulmonary pathology, chest trauma or...
Hamman's syndrome, or spontaneous pneumomediastinum, is the presence of air in the mediastinum without a history of previous pulmonary pathology, chest trauma or iatrogenesis. It has been described as a rare complication in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. It is postulated that an increase in airway pressure associated with diffuse alveolar damage caused by the virus produces an air leak into the mediastinum. Chest pain and dyspnea associated with subcutaneous emphysema should make the treating physician suspicious. We introduce a 79-year-old patient who, during hospitalization for pneumonia secondary to COVID-19, suddenly developed dyspnea, chest pain, coughing spells and bronchospasm with the discovery of spontaneous pneumomediastinum on chest tomography. He evolved favorably with bronchodilator treatment and temporary oxygen therapy. Hamman's syndrome is a rare cause of respiratory failure progression in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Its recognition is crucial to implement the appropriate treatment.
Topics: Male; Humans; Aged; SARS-CoV-2; Mediastinal Emphysema; COVID-19; Dyspnea; Chest Pain; Syndrome
PubMed: 37379547
DOI: No ID Found -
BMC Infectious Diseases Dec 2021The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new ribonucleic acid (RNA) beta-coronavirus, responsible for a worldwide pandemic. Very few cases...
BACKGROUND
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is a new ribonucleic acid (RNA) beta-coronavirus, responsible for a worldwide pandemic. Very few cases of SARS-COV-2-related emphysema have been described, except among patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The thoracic CT scan is the key examination for the diagnosis and allows to evaluate the severity of the pulmonary involvement. The prognosis of the patient with giant emphysema (GE) on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in critical or severe form remains poor. We report an original case of COVID-19 pneumonia, critical form, complicated by a giant compressive left emphysema of 22.4 cm in a young subject without respiratory comorbidities.
CASE PRESENTATION
A 34-year-old man was hospitalized for left laterothoracic pain. He had no prior medical history. The physical examination revealed tympany on percussion of the left lung. The CT scan confirmed COVID-19 pneumonia with 95% lung involvement. Also, the presence of a voluminous left sub pleural emphysema of 22.4 cm with compression of the ipsilateral pulmonary parenchyma as well as the mediastinal structures towards the right side. The diagnosis COVID-19 pneumonia, critical form, complicated by a compressive left giant emphysema was made. He was put on oxygen, a dual antibiotic therapy, a corticotherapy, and curative doses of enoxaparin. A thoracic drainage surgery was performed at 24th day of hospitalization, which confirmed the giant emphysema. The patient remains on long-term oxygen therapy.
CONCLUSION
The COVID-19 has polymorphic manifestations, pneumonia is the most important one. There are relatively few reports associating COVID-19 and emphysema; furthermore, reports associating COVID-19 and giant emphysema are extremely scarce. CT scans can confirm the diagnosis and differentiate it from a pneumothorax. The pulmonary prognosis of the association of COVID-19 in its severe or critical form with giant emphysema remains poor.
Topics: Adult; COVID-19; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Pandemics; SARS-CoV-2; Subcutaneous Emphysema
PubMed: 34969371
DOI: 10.1186/s12879-021-07006-6 -
Particle and Fibre Toxicology Apr 2022In Japan, six workers handling cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymer (CWAAP) at a chemical plant suffered from lung diseases, including fibrosis, interstitial...
BACKGROUND
In Japan, six workers handling cross-linked water-soluble acrylic acid polymer (CWAAP) at a chemical plant suffered from lung diseases, including fibrosis, interstitial pneumonia, emphysema, and pneumothorax. We recently demonstrated that inhalation of CWAAP-A, one type of CWAAP, causes pulmonary disorders in rats. It is important to investigate dose-response relationships and recoverability from exposure to CWAAPs for establishing occupational health guidelines, such as setting threshold limit value for CWAAPs in the workplace.
METHODS
Male and female F344 rats were exposed to 0.3, 1, 3, or 10 mg/m CWAAP-A for 6 h/day, 5 days/week for 13 weeks using a whole-body inhalation exposure system. At 1 h, 4 weeks, and 13 weeks after the last exposure the rats were euthanized and blood, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and all tissues including lungs and mediastinal lymph nodes were collected and subjected to biological and histopathological analyses. In a second experiment, male rats were pre-treated with clodronate liposome or polymorphonuclear leukocyte-neutralizing antibody to deplete macrophages or neutrophils, respectively, and exposed to CWAAP-A for 6 h/day for 2 days.
RESULTS
CWAAP-A exposure damaged only the alveoli. The lowest observed adverse effect concentration (LOAEC) was 1 mg/m and the no observed adverse effect concentration (NOAEC) was 0.3 mg/m. Rats of both sexes were able to recover from the tissue damage caused by 13 weeks exposure to 1 mg/m CWAAP-A. In contrast, tissue damage caused by exposure to 3 and 10 mg/m was irreversible due to the development of interstitial lung lesions. There was a gender difference in the recovery from CWAAP-A induced pulmonary disorders, with females recovering less than males. Finally, acute lung effects caused by CWAAP-A were significantly reduced by depletion of alveolar macrophages.
CONCLUSIONS
Pulmonary damage caused by inhalation exposure to CWAAP-A was dose-dependent, specific to the lung and lymph nodes, and acute lung damage was ameliorated by depleting macrophages in the lungs. CWAAP-A had both a LOAEC and a NOAEC, and tissue damage caused by exposure to 1 mg/m CWAAP-A was reversible: recovery in female rats was less than for males. These findings indicate that concentration limits for CWAAPs in the workplace can be determined.
Topics: Acrylates; Animals; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Female; Inhalation Exposure; Lung; Male; Pneumonia; Polymers; Rats; Rats, Inbred F344; Water
PubMed: 35395797
DOI: 10.1186/s12989-022-00468-9 -
Journal of Thoracic Disease Jun 2021Primary spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PSPM) is a benign self-limited condition that can be difficult to discriminate from esophageal perforation. This may trigger... (Review)
Review
Primary spontaneous pneumomediastinum (PSPM) is a benign self-limited condition that can be difficult to discriminate from esophageal perforation. This may trigger costly work-up, transfers and hospital admissions. To better understand this diagnostic dilemma and current management, we undertook the most comprehensive and up to date review of PSPM. The PubMed database was searched using the MeSH term "Mediastinal Emphysema"[Mesh], to identify randomized controlled trials, meta-analyses and case series (including 10 or more patients) relevant to the clinical presentation and management of patients with PSPM. There were no relevant randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses. Nineteen case series met our criteria, including a total of 535 patients. The average mean age was 23 years with a 3:1 male predominance. Chest pain was the most common symptom, found in 70.9% of the patients. Dyspnea and neck pain were the second and third most common symptoms, found in 43.4% and 32% of the patients, respectively. Subcutaneous emphysema was the most common sign (54.2%). Common histories included smoking (29.6%), cough (27.7%), asthma (25.9%), physical exertion (21.1%) and recent retching or emesis (13%). Nearly all patients (96.9%) underwent chest X-ray (CXR). Other diagnostic studies included computed tomography (65%) and esophagram (35.6%). Invasive studies were common, with 13% of patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy and 14.6% undergoing bronchoscopy. The rate of hospital admission was 86.5%, with an average length of stay of 4.4 days. No deaths were reported. Notably, we identified a dearth of information regarding the vitals, laboratory values and imaging findings specific to patients presenting with PSPM. We conclude that PSPM is a benign clinical entity that continues to present a resource-intensive diagnostic challenge and that data on the vitals, labs, and imaging findings specific to PSPM patients is scant. An improved understanding of these factors may lead to more efficient diagnosis and management of these patients.
PubMed: 34277063
DOI: 10.21037/jtd-21-193 -
La Tunisie Medicale Feb 2023Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare affection in general population. Only few cases have been reported during this ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus-2019...
INTRODUCTION
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare affection in general population. Only few cases have been reported during this ongoing global pandemic of Coronavirus-2019 (COVID-19). The ethipathogeny of this complication is poorly understood.
OBSERVATIONS
we reported ten cases of SPM complicating coronavirus pneumonia. There were six me and four women. Age varies from 32 to 66 years. Pneumonia was severe for all cases defined by a bloo oxygen saturation < 90% on admission. All patients were hospitalized in intensive care unit and treated by high-flow oxygen for nine patients and non-rebreather masks for one patient. Repeated chest computed tomography (CT) scan showed resolution of the pneumomediastinum and appearance of signs of pulmonary fibrosis for four cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Chest CT scan must be performed in front of any sudden deterioration in respiratory status of patients with COVID-19 pneumonia to not miss mechanical complication such as SPM. This complication seems to be associated with severe forms of COVID-19.
Topics: Humans; Female; Adult; Middle Aged; Aged; Mediastinal Emphysema; COVID-19; Pneumonia; Oxygen; Hospitalization
PubMed: 37682278
DOI: No ID Found -
Acta Bio-medica : Atenei Parmensis Sep 2022A 62-year-old man with COVID-19 had PS for fever, coughing, and breathlessness. Two days after therapy, the patient's clinical condition worsened. X-ray and CT showed...
A 62-year-old man with COVID-19 had PS for fever, coughing, and breathlessness. Two days after therapy, the patient's clinical condition worsened. X-ray and CT showed pneumomediastinum, emphysema and pneumothorax. The patient was intubated and subjected to conservative therapy. The patient was discharged after about 20 days. Radiological imaging plays a key role in the proper diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients with related complications.
Topics: COVID-19; Humans; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Middle Aged; Pneumothorax; Tomography, X-Ray Computed
PubMed: 36134719
DOI: 10.23750/abm.v93iS1.13061 -
Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Sep 2023This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential...
This case report presents an iatrogenic induced mediastinal emphysema after restorative treatment of the lower left second molar, aimed to highlight the potential life-threatening consequences, and providing diagnostics and treatment concepts of complicated dental induced emphysema based on literature review. A 74-year-old female patient was admitted to the emergency department due to a fall on her shoulder. Additional finding was a significant swelling of the face and neck. In the computer tomography of the head, neck, and thorax, a humerus fracture and pronounced soft tissue emphysema from the infraorbital region to the mediastinum was detected. The patient reported that she had been treated by her dentist 4 days earlier. The treatment had to be discontinued after beginning of a pronounced swelling. Other reasons for the emphysema could be excluded out on an interdisciplinary teamwork. The patient was monitored as an inpatient for 5 days and received intravenous antibiotic therapy. This case report shows the rare complication of pronounced mediastinal emphysema after root canal treatment. Emphysema should always be a differential diagnosis of soft tissue swelling and, in case of doubt, a general medical presentation should be made.
Topics: Humans; Female; Aged; Mediastinal Emphysema; Face; Molar; Tooth Extraction; Subcutaneous Emphysema
PubMed: 35680758
DOI: 10.1007/s10006-022-01088-5 -
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and... Jul 2023Uniportal incision located at 4th or 5th intercostal space represents a problem for the correct drainage of distal areas of pleural cavity. The T-shaped tube can drain...
OBJECTIVES
Uniportal incision located at 4th or 5th intercostal space represents a problem for the correct drainage of distal areas of pleural cavity. The T-shaped tube can drain both the extremities of pleural space. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of T-chest tube compared to classic chest tube after uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery.
METHODS
We compared the effectiveness of T-tube and classic 28 CH chest drainage after different surgical procedures in uniportal video-assisted thoracic surgery: lobectomies, wedge resections and pleural and mediastinal biopsies. As primary end points, drained effusion and evidence of pneumothorax at postoperative day 1, subcutaneous emphysema, tube kinking, obstruction and necessity of repositioning or postoperative thoracentesis were considered. Pain at 6 and 24 h after surgery, pain at tube removal and mean hospitalization were analysed as secondary end points.
RESULTS
A total of 109 patients were selected for the study, 51 included to the T-tube group while the other 58 ones to the control group with classic drainage. Patients with T-tube showed a significantly lower rate of pneumothorax (29.4% vs 63.8%; P < 0.001), tube kinking (5.9% vs 27.6%; P = 0.003) and need of repositioning (2.0% vs 12.1%; P = 0.043). No significant results were obtained in subcutaneous emphysema (P = 0.26), tube obstruction (P = 0.32), drained effusion (P = 0.11) and need of postoperative thoracentesis (P = 0.18). Patients with T-tube complained of <6 h after surgery (P < 0.001). Conversely, T-tube removal was reported to be more painful (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
Chest T-tube can achieve significantly lower rate of postoperative pneumothorax, kinking and repositioning with less pain 6 hours after surgery compared to classic tube.
PubMed: 37471589
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivad114 -
International Journal of... 2022Spontaneous hydropneumothorax (HP) and mediastinal emphysema (ME) are infrequently presented complications of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A-34-year-old Pakistani male...
Spontaneous hydropneumothorax (HP) and mediastinal emphysema (ME) are infrequently presented complications of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). A-34-year-old Pakistani male presented with dyspnea, productive cough, and right-sided pleuritic chest pain. He had no history of any surgery, TB, comorbid disease, or other serious pulmonary diseases. Chest radiography revealed a right-sided HP and parenchymal infiltration. The laboratory results of pleural effusion showed elevated adenosine deaminase levels with the empyema features. Acid-fast bacilli were detected and Mycobacterium tuberculosis without any drug resistance grew in the culture both in the sputum and pleural fluid. A chest tube was inserted immediately. A prolonged airway leak was detected. Hepatotoxicity protocol has been initialized (due to increased hepatic enzymes in the initial presentation) and followed without observing any complications associated with the treatment. On the 25 day of the standard TB treatment protocol, we observed hepatic enzymes in the normal range. Around 40-days of a hospitalization period, he started developing fever and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus was detected in the pleural fluid culture. We introduced linezolid to the treatment regimen in addition to the antituberculosis protocol. Although spontaneous ME is a benign disease, it might be life-threatening and difficult to manage when complicated with HP and active TB infection. Active TB should be considered a differential diagnosis once ME or HP was detected, and treatment should be started immediately for both diseases.
Topics: Adult; Hospitalization; Humans; Hydropneumothorax; Male; Mediastinal Emphysema; Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary
PubMed: 35775553
DOI: 10.4103/ijmy.ijmy_130_20 -
BMC Gastroenterology Dec 2022Esophageal perforation (EP) has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. This single-center retrospective study aims to analyze the related risk factors for benign EP.
BACKGROUND
Esophageal perforation (EP) has a high mortality rate and poor prognosis. This single-center retrospective study aims to analyze the related risk factors for benign EP.
METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed 135 patients with benign EP admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2012 to December 2020. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were performed to estimate risk factors for prognosis of esophageal perforation patients.
RESULTS
There were 118 EP patients with foreign body ingestion and 17 patients with nonforeign body ingestion. Fish bones (78/118) were the most common foreign body and most of the nonforeign EPs were caused by spontaneous esophageal rupture (14/17). Foreign body perforations occurred mostly in the upper thoracic segment (70/118) and middle thoracic segment (31/118), and spontaneous esophageal ruptures occurred mostly in the lower thoracic segment (15/17). Fifteen patients (11.1%) died during hospitalization or within one month of discharge. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that high white blood cell (WBC) levels [odds ratio (OR) = 2.229, 95% confidential interval (CI): 0.776-6.403, P = 0.025], chest or mediastinal emphysema (OR = 7.609, 95% CI: 2.418-23.946, P = 0.001), and time to treatment > 72 h (OR = 3.407, 95% CI: 0.674-17.233, P = 0.018) were independent risk factors for poor prognosis.
CONCLUSION
Foreign body was the major reason for benign EP. High WBC level, chest or mediastinal emphysema and time to treatment > 72 h were risk factors for poor prognosis.
Topics: Animals; Esophageal Perforation; Retrospective Studies; Mediastinal Emphysema; Prognosis; Foreign Bodies; Risk Factors
PubMed: 36550403
DOI: 10.1186/s12876-022-02624-z