Abstract
While isolated spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is not commonly associated with viral respiratory infections, several cases of isolated SPM in the context of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) have emerged. Isolated SPM remains seldom presented in the current literature. We will present the clinical presentation and hospital course of isolated SPM in four patients hospitalized with COVID-19 who were not on mechanical ventilation. We will also review all cases from the current literature and compare these cases for similarities and possible patterns that may help elucidate risk factors for developing SPM. Increased use of high-flow oxygen in COVID-19 management may be a potential contributing factor to the SPM development. Isolated SPM can be an indicator of disease severity and worse prognosis.
Published on: March 17, 2021
doi: 10.17756/micr.2021-065
Citation: Chen IE, Roth A, Thomas M, Pahwa A. 2021. Isolated Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 Patients: Case Series and Review of the Literature. J Med Imaging Case Rep 5(1): 15-21.
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