Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax and pneumomediastinum as a complication of an asthma attack

• Published in: The Indian journal of radiology & imaging 2019, Vol.29 (1), p.77-80
• Main Authors: Franco, Ana Isabel, Arponen, Sari, Hermoso, Fátima, García, María-José
• Format: Report
• Language: English
• ISSN: 0971-3026
• DOI: 10.4103/ijri.IJRI_340_18

INTRODUCTIONSimultaneous subcutaneous emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum are complications rarely observed synchronously during an acute exacerbation of bronchial asthma. Although spontaneous pneumothorax has already been reported in asthma patients in the literature, its concurrence with subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum is extremely rare except for iatrogenic conditions. CASE STUDYWe describe a patient who presented to the emergency room with progressive dyspnea and chest pain. Three days before, she consulted her general physician with a history of violent dry cough and wheezing. An acute asthma exacerbation was diagnosed, and an inhaled short-acting beta 2 agonist and oral prednisone were prescribed. The patient developed simultaneous subcutaneous emphysema, spontaneous pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum, a rare complication of an asthma attack. CONCLUSIONSOur aim is to emphasize that occult pneumothoraces should be considered in a patient presenting with an acute asthma attack failing to respond to conventional medical therapy.