Pneumomediastinum
is sometimes observed in adult patients but its occurrence in pediatric
patients (especially infants) is very rare. We here report a 14-month-old male
infant who had subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and importantly,
pneumopericardium. He had no particular past histories.
He abruptly had cough, fever, and eruption on the abdomen. Computed
tomography and echocardiography revealed pneumomediastinum and pneumopericardium. Antibiotics, rest, and
supportive therapy ameliorated the condition. We must be aware that
pneumomediastinum, and importantly pneumopericardium, can be present in a
pediatric patient with subcutaneous emphysema.The infant’s symptoms disappeared under strict monitoring of
respiratory status, nasal oxygen therapy and antibiotic therapy.
References
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