Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after noninvasive ventilation in a COVID-19 patient.

Vazzana, Natale; Ognibene, Silvia; Dipaola, Francesco

Pneumomediastinum is an uncommon but well recognized complication of both invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum has been observed in association with a variety of structural lung diseases including severe interstitial disorders. More recently it has been reported complicating the course of COVID-19 pneumonia. In the present report we describe a case of pneumomediastinum associated with subcutaneous emphysema in a patient with severe respiratory failure due to extensive interstitial pneumoniae correlated to SARS-CoV-2 infection which necessitated non-invasive ventilatory support. Prompt recognition is required during ventilatory support as it may promote its progression. Further data are needed in order to identify the mechanisms, frequency, risk factors and prognostic role of this rare complication of the clinical course of COVID-19.