Subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum in COVID -19 patients: ICU course of four cases and review of literature

Abstract

Objective: Since April 2021, there has been significant increase in number of COVID-19 cases in India. As the caseload increased, so did the complications like pneumomediastinum (PM) and subcutaneous emphysema (SE). Case Presentation: We present clinical course of 4 patients as case series of COVID-19 pneumonia who developed PM and SE during their management. Two cases with the need of non-invasive ventilation (NIV) recovered and two cases that needed invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) ultimately expired. Conclusion: This case series highlights the importance of positive pressure ventilation via NIV and IMV as a predisposing factor for PM and SE as well as the need of strict vigilance by clinicians managing COVID-19 patients in IMV.