Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema in the course of COVID-19 disease: A case report and review of the literature

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the SARS-CoV-2, has resulted in widespread global morbidity and mortality. Herein, we report a case of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck and chest wall in a patient hospitalized with respiratory failure due to COVID-19. Since our patient was not treated with mechanical ventilation, this case demonstrates that spontaneous pneumomediastinum can appear in patients with COVID-19 regardless of barotrauma and highlights the pathophysiology of this complication. © 2021 Kipourou M. et al.