Fleming AM, Zambetti BR, Valaulikar GS. Bedside Mediastinotomy for Tension Pneumomediastinum with Tamponade in COVID-19.
Ann Thorac Surg 2021;
112:e265-e266. [PMID:
33529601 PMCID:
PMC8402946 DOI:
10.1016/j.athoracsur.2021.01.032]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2020] [Revised: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare but life-threatening cause of tamponade. Mechanical ventilation is a described source of tension pneumomediastinum. Here, we present a case of a 72-year-old man who developed cardiovascular collapse from tension pneumomediastinum in the setting of coronavirus disease 2019–related acute respiratory distress syndrome. We successfully performed bedside mediastinotomy and mediastinal tube placement under local anesthetic to alleviate his hemodynamic instability. Bedside mediastinotomy can be used to relieve tension pneumomediastinum in this setting.
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