Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema associated with bronchospasm in a woman with no history of asthma

Abstract

Background: Spontaneous pneumomediastinum most relevant triggering events are cough, vomiting, nutritional problems, physical activity and use of inhaled drugs. Association of spontaneous pneumomediastinum with non-asthma-related bronchospasm is an infrequent event.

Clinical case: This is the case of a 21-year-old woman without personal or family history of asthma, allergic rhinitis or atopy who during late puerperium had 39 °C fever, paroxysmal cough and chest oppression of sudden onset, as well as wheezing and subcutaneous emphysema of the neck; she had no previous nasal symptoms. Chest X-ray revealed free air in the mediastinum and left lateral side of the neck. Possible cause of the condition was attributed to bronchospasm related to airway infection. Treatment was based on bronchodilators, systemic steroids and supplementary oxygen administration. The symptoms subsided after 48 hours.

Conclusions: In the clinical case herein presented, spontaneous pneumomediastinum precipitating factor appeared to be paroxysmal cough associated with bronchospasm and, hence, we suggest for this entity to be suspected in patients even if there is no previous history of asthma.