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Angelini M, Belletti A, Landoni G, Zangrillo A, De Cobelli F, Palumbo D. Macklin Effect: From Pathophysiology to Clinical Implication. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2024; 38:881-883. [PMID: 38378321 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2023.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
Air leak syndromes (such as pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, or subcutaneous emphysema) are frequent complications of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Unfortunately, the development of air leaks is associated with worse outcomes. In addition, it has been hypothesized that the development of pneumomediastinum could be a marker of disease severity in patients with respiratory failure receiving noninvasive respiratory support or assisted ventilation. The so-called Macklin effect (or pulmonary interstitial emphysema) is the air dissection of the lung bronchovascular tree from peripheral to central airways following injury to distal alveoli. Ultimately, the progression of the Macklin effect leads to the development of pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema, or pneumothorax. The Macklin effect is identifiable on a chest computed tomography (CT) scan. The Macklin effect could be an accurate predictor of barotrauma in patients with ARDS (sensitivity = 89.2% [95% CI: 74.6-96.9]; specificity = 95.6% [95% CI: 90.6-98.4]), and may be a marker of disease severity. Accordingly, the detection of the Macklin effect on a chest CT scan could be used to select which patients with ARDS might benefit from different treatment algorithms, including advanced respiratory monitoring, early intubation, or, potentially, the institution of early extracorporeal support with or without invasive ventilation. In this video, the authors summarize the pathophysiology and potential clinical significance and applications of the Macklin effect in patients with acute respiratory failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Angelini
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Palumbo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Nishiyama K, Baba T, Oda T, Sekine A, Niwa T, Yamada S, Kaburaki S, Nagasawa R, Okudela K, Takemura T, Iwasawa T, Mineshita M, Ogura T. Bilateral Pneumothorax after a Transbronchial Lung Cryobiopsy for Interstitial Lung Disease. Intern Med 2024; 63:839-842. [PMID: 37532548 PMCID: PMC11009005 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.2149-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We herein report a case of bilateral pneumothorax after a unilateral transbronchial lung cryobiopsy (TBLC). A 73-year-old man with no history of cardiothoracic surgery underwent a TBLC for the reevaluation of interstitial lung disease. Five hours later, he developed bilateral pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema. He underwent bilateral chest drainage and was discharged 18 days later. The lung biopsy specimens obtained from the TBLC contained visceral pleura and bronchial cartilage, suggesting bronchial injury as the cause of the bilateral pneumothorax.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhiro Nishiyama
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Baba
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Tsuneyuki Oda
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Akimasa Sekine
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Takashi Niwa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Sho Yamada
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Shota Kaburaki
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Ryo Nagasawa
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Koji Okudela
- Department of Pathology, Yokohama City University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Tamiko Takemura
- Department of Pathology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Tae Iwasawa
- Department of Radiology, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
| | - Masamichi Mineshita
- Division of Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, St. Marianna University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Takashi Ogura
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kanagawa Cardiovascular and Respiratory Center, Japan
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Haider B, Simoni P. Mechanical Ventilation during Bronchiolitis: The Macklin Effect. J Belg Soc Radiol 2024; 108:24. [PMID: 38504856 PMCID: PMC10949806 DOI: 10.5334/jbsr.3410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This is a case of barotrauma imaging (Macklin effect) after invasive mechanical ventilation in a 14-week-old newborn with complicated bronchiolitis. Teaching point: Imaging could help us improve defining the anatomical boundaries of the Macklin effect, an incompletely known anatomo-physiological entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Badri Haider
- Radiology Resident at the Queen Fabiola Children’s Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Paolo Simoni
- Chief of Pediatric Radiology Department of the Queen Fabiola Children’s Hospital, Brussels, Belgium
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Ramos PV, Oliveira AM, Simas Â, Rocha Vera Cruz M. COVID-19: A Possible Cause of Spontaneous Pneumoperitoneum. J Crit Care Med (Targu Mures) 2023; 9:192-197. [PMID: 37588186 PMCID: PMC10425923 DOI: 10.2478/jccm-2023-0018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Pneumoperitoneum is the presence of air within the peritoneal cavity and is mostly caused by organ rupture. Spontaneous pneumoperitoneum accounts 5% to 15% of the cases and occurs in the absence of organ damage. The pulmonary origin of pneumoperitoneum is unusual, and probably associated with mechanical ventilation and alveolar leak. In patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) there are some reports of air leak, like pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumoperitoneum, and subcutaneous emphysema. Case presentation We present the case of a 70-year-old man with COVID-19 pneumonia admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Since admission he was on Non-Invasive Ventilation (NIV), without improvement, needing Invasive Mechanical Ventilation (IMV) due to severe respiratory failure. Five days after IMV despite protective lung ventilation, massive spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum were diagnosed. Besides initial conservative management 12 hours later, the patient developed abdominal compartment syndrome requiring percutaneous needle decompression. Conclusions Pneumoperitoneum can be considered a rare complication of COVID-19 pneumonia and its management, resulting not only from the viral pulmonary but also from secondary causes. Conservative management should be usually enough. However, in the presence of abdominal compartment syndrome prompt recognition and treatment are crucial and eventually lifesaving.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ana Maria Oliveira
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
| | - Ângela Simas
- Intensive Care Unit, Hospital de Vila Franca de Xira, Vila Franca de Xira, Portugal
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Maccarrone V, Liou C, D'souza B, Salvatore MM, Leb J, Belletti A, Palumbo D, Landoni G, Capaccione KM. The Macklin effect closely correlates with pneumomediastinum in acutely ill intubated patients with COVID-19 infection. Clin Imaging 2023; 97:50-54. [PMID: 36889115 PMCID: PMC9984303 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinimag.2023.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with COVID-19 infection are frequently found to have pulmonary barotrauma. Recent work has identified the Macklin effect as a radiographic sign that often occurs in patients with COVID-19 and may correlate with barotrauma. METHODS We evaluated chest CT scans in COVID-19 positive mechanically ventilated patients for the Macklin effect and any type of pulmonary barotrauma. Patient charts were reviewed to identify demographic and clinical characteristics. RESULTS The Macklin effect on chest CT scan was identified in a total of 10/75 (13.3%) COVID-19 positive mechanically ventilated patients; 9 developed barotrauma. Patients with the Macklin effect on chest CT scan had a 90% rate of pneumomediastinum (p < 0.001) and a trend toward a higher rate of pneumothorax (60%, p = 0.09). Pneumothorax was most frequently omolateral to the site of the Macklin effect (83.3%). CONCLUSION The Macklin effect may be a strong radiographic biomarker for pulmonary barotrauma, most strongly correlating with pneumomediastinum. Studies in ARDS patients without COVID-19 are needed to validate this sign in a broader population. If validated in a broad population, future critical care treatment algorithms may include the Macklin sign for clinical decision making and prognostication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerie Maccarrone
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Connie Liou
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Belinda D'souza
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Mary M Salvatore
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Jay Leb
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America
| | - Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Palumbo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina 60, 20132 Milan, Italy
| | - Kathleen M Capaccione
- Department of Radiology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, United States of America.
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Serindere M, Ersen M, Balyemez U. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and macklin effect: Three rare case reports with computed tomography findings. Niger J Clin Pract 2023; 26:528-530. [PMID: 37203121 DOI: 10.4103/njcp.njcp_901_22] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is defined as free air or gas in the mediastinum that is not associated with an obvious cause such as chest trauma. The SPM results from acutely elevated intra-alveolar pressure: The high-pressure gradient between the distal alveoli and the pulmonary interstitium leads to alveolar rupture. This causes free gas to separate through the peribronchovascular fascial sheaths (interstitial emphysema) into the hilum and then into the mediastinum. Once the gas is in the mediastinum, it can travel up to the cervical soft tissues (even the retroperitoneum) producing subcutaneous emphysema. The Macklin effect appears on thoracic computed tomography (CT) as linear air collections adjacent to bronchovascular sheaths. This case report presents CT findings of SPM due to the Macklin effect in three cases and a brief literature review on this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Serindere
- Department of Radiology, Hatay Education and Research Hospital, Hatay, Turkey
| | - M Ersen
- Department of Radiology, Burdur Bucak State Hospital, Burdur, Turkey
| | - U Balyemez
- Department of Radiology, Faculty of Medicine, Near East University, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Belletti A, Pallanch O, Bonizzoni MA, Guidi L, De Cobelli F, Landoni G, Zangrillo A, De Bonis M, Palumbo D. Clinical use of Macklin-like radiological sign ( Macklin effect): A systematic review. Respir Med 2023; 210:107178. [PMID: 36863617 DOI: 10.1016/j.rmed.2023.107178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Recent studies suggested that Macklin sign is a predictor of barotrauma in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We performed a systematic review to further characterize the clinical role of Macklin. METHODS PubMed, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register and Embase were searched for studies reporting data on Macklin. Studies without data on chest CT, pediatric studies, non-human and cadaver studies, case reports and series including <5 patients were excluded. The primary objective was to assess the number of patients with Macklin sign and barotrauma. Secondary objectives were: occurrence of Macklin in different populations, clinical use of Macklin, prognostic impact of Macklin. RESULTS Seven studies enrolling 979 patients were included. Macklin was present in 4-22% of COVID-19 patients. It was associated with barotrauma in 124/138 (89.8%) of cases. Macklin sign preceded barotrauma in 65/69 cases (94.2%) 3-8 days in advance. Four studies used Macklin as pathophysiological explanation for barotrauma, two studies as a predictor of barotrauma and one as a decision-making tool. Two studies suggested that Macklin is a strong predictor of barotrauma in ARDS patients and one study used Macklin sign to candidate high-risk ARDS patients to awake extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). A possible correlation between Macklin and worse prognosis was suggested in two studies on COVID-19 and blunt chest trauma. CONCLUSIONS Increasing evidence suggests that Macklin sign anticipate barotrauma in patients with ARDS and there are initial reports on use of Macklin as a decision-making tool. Further studies investigating the role of Macklin sign in ARDS are justified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Ottavia Pallanch
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Matteo Aldo Bonizzoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Leonardo Guidi
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele De Bonis
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Department of Cardiac Surgery, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Palumbo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
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Khaire N, Deshmukh S, Agarwal E, Mahale N, Khaladkar S, Desai S, Kulkarni A. "Pneumomediastinum: A marker of severity in Covid-19 disease". Heliyon 2023; 9:e12981. [PMID: 36647393 PMCID: PMC9834123 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e12981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective The goal of this study was to look at the incidence, risk factors, clinical characteristics, and radiological aspects of COVID-19 patients who developed pneumomediastinum and compare these features between those who died and those who survived. Materials and methods This retrospective observational study included COVID-19 patients having pneumomediastinum on CT from May 2020 to May 2021 in a COVID-19 care hospital. 1st wave patients were considered between the period of May 2020 to January 2021 and those in the second wave between February 2021 to May 2021. The clinical details were analyzed by a consultant intensivist and CT scans were read by a team of 6 resident radiologists and 5 experienced radiologists. Demographic data, co-morbidities, clinical parameters, hemodynamic markers, radiological involvement and associated complications were analyzed. Results During the study period, 10,605 COVID-19 patients were admitted to our hospital of which 5689 underwent CT scan. 66 patients were detected to have pneumomediastinum on CT; 26 of them in the first wave and 40 in the second wave. Out of 66, 28 patients were admitted to ICU, 9 during the first wave and 18 during the second wave. The overall incidence of developing pneumomediastinum was 1.16%. Incidence in the 1st wave was 1.0% and in the 2nd wave was 1.29%. The overall mortality rate in admitted COVID-19 patients was 12.83% while it was 43.9% in COVID-19 patients who developed pneumomediastinum. Incidence of pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax was high in patients with extensive parenchymal involvement. 59/66 (89%) cases of pneumomediastinum had severe CT score on imaging. Conclusion We conclude that pneumomediastinum is a marker of poor prognosis. Timely diagnosis of interstitial emphysema or pneumomediastinum will aid in planning early protective ventilation strategies and timely intervention of complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nivedita Khaire
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
| | - Sonali Deshmukh
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
| | - Esha Agarwal
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India,Corresponding author. Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Near Mhatre Bridge, Erandawne, Pune, India.411004.
| | - Nilesh Mahale
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
| | - Sanjay Khaladkar
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
| | - Sanjay Desai
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
| | - Ashwini Kulkarni
- Department of Radiology, Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital and Research Center, Pune, India
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Jadav D, Meshram VP. Unusual subcutaneous emphysema extending to the limbs following blunt chest injury. J Forensic Sci 2022; 67:2106-2109. [PMID: 35699108 DOI: 10.1111/1556-4029.15078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Subcutaneous emphysema can be traumatic, infectious, iatrogenic, or spontaneous. Traumatic subcutaneous emphysema of the upper limb is not infrequent following trauma to that limb. However, the subcutaneous emphysema of the limbs following trauma to a site other than the limb is seldom reported. A 45-year-old male was referred from a private hospital to a tertiary care hospital with right-sided multiple rib fractures and pneumothorax following chest injury. The patient was having acidotic breathing on examination, and crepitus was present over the bilateral chest and bilateral upper and lower limbs, suggesting subcutaneous emphysema. Right and left intercostal drainage tubes were inserted at our hospital. The patient died in the emergency after a few hours of treatment. The X-ray performed at the autopsy revealed extensive bilateral upper and lower limb subcutaneous emphysema. The deceased had multiple rib fractures over the right side with fractured ends of the two ribs piercing the pleural cavity, causing tears in the lung parenchyma. The cause of death was attributed to the chest injury and its sequelae. Such rapidly expanding subcutaneous emphysema can be a sign of underlying severe chest injury. Prompt insertion of the intercostal drainage tube could be the lifesaving procedure in such cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devendra Jadav
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
| | - Vikas P Meshram
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur, India
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10
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Ortíz-Farías DL, Álvarez-Sánchez VA, Figueroa-Hurtado E, Cortes-Telles A. Pneumomediastinum Associated with COVID-19: A Case Series. P R Health Sci J 2022; 41:37-40. [PMID: 35438894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by the new coronavirus SARSCoV-2, is an infectious disease that has caused an increase in hospitalizations for pneumonia; the spectrum of clinical presentation is variable. One such presentation, pneumomediastinum (PM), is defined as the presence of air or some other gas in the mediastinum. It is a rare condition, usually benign and self-limited; it has been seen in patients with COVID-19. Although most cases are, as explained above, self limited and in addition, can be managed conservatively, close monitoring is recommended, as PM can cause life-threatening hemodynamic and respiratory disturbances. We present a case series of 4 patients with SARS CoV-2 infection, in whom PM was found, and who were admitted to the Regional Hospital of High Specialty of the Yucatan Peninsula during the period of May 2020 through August 2020.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diana Lizbeth Ortíz-Farías
- Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Víctor Aarón Álvarez-Sánchez
- Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Esperanza Figueroa-Hurtado
- Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, Mexico
| | - Arturo Cortes-Telles
- Respiratory and Thoracic Surgery Unit, Hospital Regional de Alta Especialidad de la Península de Yucatán, Mexico
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11
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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12
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Bolaños-Morales FV, Santibáñez-Salgado JA, Guadarrama-Pérez C, Herrera-Zamora JDJ, Armas-Zárate FJ, Santillán-Doherty PJ. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 patients. Case series. GAC MED MEX 2021; 157:110-114. [PMID: 34125812 DOI: 10.24875/gmm.m21000528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of free air within the mediastinum without an apparent cause such as chest trauma. It is a benign, self-limiting condition that is conservatively treated. Clinical diagnosis is based on two symptoms: chest pain and dyspnea; and on a particular sign: subcutaneous emphysema. It has been reported in patients with influenza A (H1N1) and severe acute respiratory syndrome; however, it has been rarely observed in COVID-19 patients. In this work, we describe six male patients with COVID-19, aged between 27 and 82 years, who presented with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema; both conditions were completely resorbed with conservative management.
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Kalpaxi A, Kalokairinou M, Katseli P, Savvopoulou V, Ioannidi P, Triantafyllou E, Flokatoula M, Pythara C, Papaevangelou A. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and COVID-19 pneumonia: Report of three cases with emphasis on CT imaging. Radiol Case Rep 2021; 16:2586-2592. [PMID: 34178187 PMCID: PMC8220909 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2021.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of coronavirus disease 2019. The published literature consists mainly of case reports and small case series. There are still many questions regarding the pathogenesis, the prognostic significance and the implications on patient management. In our hospital, 3 coronavirus disease 2019 patients developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum: 1 on admission at the emergency department and the other 2 during hospitalization. In this study we describe their clinical course and computed tomography (CT) findings. All of them had severe disease according to the total severity score on admission CT. The management of pneumomediastinum was conservative and follow-up CT showed resolution in all patients. As the correlation between extension of parenchymal lung lesions and development of pneumomediastinum is still under investigation, we highlight the importance of reporting the severity score on chest CT in order to obtain more comparable results between different studies. Furthermore, in this tragic circumstance we also had the opportunity to familiarize ourselves with the otherwise uncommon occurrence of air along the bronchovascular sheaths (Macklin effect) and evaluate the ability of CT to detect it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angeliki Kalpaxi
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Mariana Kalokairinou
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Paraskevi Katseli
- Department of Internal Medicine, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Magoula, Athens, Greece
| | - Vasiliki Savvopoulou
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Pinelopi Ioannidi
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Evangelia Triantafyllou
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Maria Flokatoula
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Chrystalla Pythara
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
| | - Angeliki Papaevangelou
- Department of Radiology, Thriassio General Hospital of Elefsina, Gennimata Avenue 19600, Magoula, Athens 19600, Greece
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Brito J, Gregório P, Mariani A, D'ambrosio P, Filho M, Ferreira L, Sawamura M, Pêgo-Fernandes PM. Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 disease: Outcomes and relation to the Macklin effect. Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann 2021; 29:541-548. [PMID: 33853387 DOI: 10.1177/02184923211010089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
AIM Pneumomediastinum (PM) is associated with several etiologies and mechanisms. Although it has been described more than 100 years ago, the literature is limited to small retrospective studies. This study aimed to follow patients with coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that developed PM during hospitalization and describe their clinical and radiological evolution. METHODS A prospective cohort was developed with patients with PM, excluding those with aerodigestive trauma, inside a hospital COVID-19 dedicated hospital. Clinical variables including onset of symptoms, hemodynamic instability, associated complications, the need of interventions, and disease course were all recorded. Also, radiological findings such as the presence of the Macklin effect, extension of lung involvement by COVID-19, and characteristics of the PM were analyzed. RESULTS Twenty-one patients with non-traumatic PM were followed, resulting in an overall incidence of 0.5% during the study period. Seven (33%) patients had associated pneumothorax and malignant/tension PM was observed in three (14%) cases. The Macklin effect could be found in 11 patients (52%) and the majority of them had more than 50% of lung involvement due to COVID-19. The mortality rate was 49%; however, no deaths were directly related to the PM. CONCLUSIONS PM incidence is probably increased in the severe acute respiratory syndrome caused by COVID-19, especially in those with greater involvement of the lungs, and the Macklin effect may be an important underlying mechanism of this complication. Usually, PM has a benign course, but complications like tension/malignant PM may occur requiring prompt detection and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Brito
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Gregório
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alessandro Mariani
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paula D'ambrosio
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Mauro Filho
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lorena Ferreira
- Division of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marcio Sawamura
- Division of Radiology, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Paulo Manuel Pêgo-Fernandes
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Hospital das Clínicas da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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15
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Belletti A, Palumbo D, Zangrillo A, Fominskiy EV, Franchini S, Dell'Acqua A, Marinosci A, Monti G, Vitali G, Colombo S, Guazzarotti G, Lembo R, Maimeri N, Faustini C, Pennella R, Mushtaq J, Landoni G, Scandroglio AM, Dagna L, De Cobelli F. Predictors of Pneumothorax/Pneumomediastinum in Mechanically Ventilated COVID-19 Patients. J Cardiothorac Vasc Anesth 2021; 35:3642-3651. [PMID: 33678544 PMCID: PMC8054543 DOI: 10.1053/j.jvca.2021.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Objective To determine the incidence, predictors, and outcome of pneumothorax (PNX)/pneumomediastinum (PMD) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Design Observational study. Setting Tertiary-care university hospital. Participants One hundred sixteen consecutive critically ill, invasively ventilated patients with COVID-19 ARDS. Interventions The authors collected demographic, mechanical ventilation, imaging, laboratory, and outcome data. Primary outcome was the incidence of PNX/PMD. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to identify predictors of PNX/PMD. Measurements and Main Results PNX/PMD occurred in a total of 28 patients (24.1%), with 22 patients developing PNX (19.0%) and 13 developing PMD (11.2%). Mean time to development of PNX/PMD was 14 ± 11 days from intubation. The authors found no significant difference in mechanical ventilation parameters between patients who developed PNX/PMD and those who did not. Mechanical ventilation parameters were within recommended limits for protective ventilation in both groups. Ninety-five percent of patients with PNX/PMD had the Macklin effect (linear collections of air contiguous to the bronchovascular sheaths) on a baseline computed tomography scan, and tended to have a higher lung involvement at intensive care unit (ICU) admission (Radiographic Assessment of Lung Edema score 32.2 ± 13.4 v 18.7 ± 9.8 in patients without PNX/PMD, p = 0.08). Time from symptom onset to intubation and time from total bilirubin on day two after ICU admission were the only independent predictors of PNX/PMD. Mortality was 60.7% in patients who developed PNX/PMD versus 38.6% in those who did not (p = 0.04). Conclusion PNX/PMD occurs frequently in COVID-19 patients with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation, and is associated with increased mortality. Development of PNX/PMD seems to occur despite use of protective mechanical ventilation and has a radiologic predictor sign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Belletti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Diego Palumbo
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Zangrillo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Evgeny V Fominskiy
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Stefano Franchini
- Unit of General Medicine and Advanced Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Dell'Acqua
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Marinosci
- Unit of General Medicine and Advanced Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Monti
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giordano Vitali
- Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Sergio Colombo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giorgia Guazzarotti
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosalba Lembo
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Nicolò Maimeri
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Faustini
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Renato Pennella
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Junaid Mushtaq
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Landoni
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Anna Mara Scandroglio
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Dagna
- School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy; Unit of Immunology, Rheumatology, Allergy, and Rare Diseases, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco De Cobelli
- Department of Radiology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; School of Medicine, Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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16
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Heimer J, Eggert S, Fliss B, Meixner E. Fatal bilateral pneumothorax and generalized emphysema following contraindicated speaking-valve application. Forensic Sci Med Pathol 2019; 15:239-42. [PMID: 30905038 DOI: 10.1007/s12024-019-00107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/24/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We report a case of a contraindicated attachment of a speaking valve to a tracheal tube with an inflated cuff, which rapidly resulted in the patient's death. The attached one-way valve allowed unrestrained inspiration through the tracheal tube but prevented physiological expiration. The increased pulmonary pressure resulted in alveolar rupture and replaced expiration with a steady release of air into the peribronchial sheaths and the mediastinum, resulting in what is commonly known as the Macklin effect. From the mediastinum, air inflated both pleural cavities, the peritoneum, and the subcutaneous tissue of the entire body. No gas was found in the blood vessels, the brain, the bones, or in the inner organs. The entire air volume was estimated by radiological segmentation to be more than 25 l. This implies continuous inspiration, while expiration turned into an aberrant pulmonary decompression by whole-body gas-enclosure. Death ultimately resulted from asphyxia following bilateral (tension) pneumothorax.
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17
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Jensen VM, Støving RK, Andersen PE. Anorexia nervosa with massive pulmonary air leak and extraordinary propagation. Int J Eat Disord 2017; 50:451-453. [PMID: 28170116 DOI: 10.1002/eat.22674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 12/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
A rare case combining pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium, pneumoperitoneum, pneumorrhachis, air in retroperitoneum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema simultaneously in a severely anorectic male with BMI 9.2 (22.8 kg) and multiple vomitings is presented. This unusual condition was treated successfully with conservative medical approach in a specialized somatic unit for anorexia nervosa.
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Affiliation(s)
- V M Jensen
- Department of Radiology, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
| | - R K Støving
- Centre for Eating Disorders, Elite Research Center for Medical Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital and Psychiatry of Region Southern Denmark, University of Southern Denmark, Denmark
| | - P E Andersen
- Department of Radiology, Cardiovascular Section, Odense University Hospital, Sdr. Boulevard, 5000 Odense C, Denmark
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18
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Sandstrom CK, Osman SF, Linnau KF. Scary gas: a spectrum of soft tissue gas encountered in the axial body (part II). Emerg Radiol 2017; 24:401-409. [PMID: 28255930 DOI: 10.1007/s10140-017-1491-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Ectopic gas in the mediastinum, subperitoneal abdomen, and superficial soft tissues is concerning and can be seen in the setting of trauma, iatrogenic injuries, infection, and inflammation. It can spread along different dissection pathways and may present remotely from the involved organ as described in part one. Recognition of ectopic gas on imaging and differentiating it from other causes of benign gas is very important as these conditions associated with ectopic gas can lead to rapid patient deterioration and usually require urgent surgery. In part two, the different causes of ectopic and benign gas in the torso are reviewed as well as the imaging features that can help to narrow the differential diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire K Sandstrom
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359728, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA.
| | - Sherif F Osman
- West Houston Radiology, 21214 Northwest Fwy #220, Cypress, TX, 77429, USA
| | - Ken F Linnau
- Department of Radiology, University of Washington, Harborview Medical Center, 325 Ninth Ave, Box 359728, Seattle, WA, 98104, USA
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19
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Rolim Marques AF, Lopes LH, Martins MDS, Carmona CV, Fraga GP, Hirano ES. Tension pneumopericardium in blunt thoracic trauma. Int J Surg Case Rep 2016; 24:188-90. [PMID: 27266838 PMCID: PMC4906123 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijscr.2016.04.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2016] [Revised: 04/29/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tension pneumopericardium is a cause of shock in thoracic trauma. It should be regarded in hemodynamically unstable patients with blunt chest trauma. Immediate pericardium decompression may save the patient’s life.
Introduction Pneumopericardium, defined as the presence of gas in the pericardial sac, is a rare condition caused mostly by trauma. Tension pneumopericardium is a cause of hemodynamic instability; hence, it consists in a life-threatening situation and should be regarded in blunt chest trauma. Case report A 51-year-old male was victim of a 4 m fall and burial. He was stable upon admission and presented a simple pneumopericardium and pneumomediastinum on CT. While being submitted to an upper digestive endoscopy he presented respiratory failure and had to be intubated, suddenly evolving to shock. He was promptly referred to the operating room; a pericardial window confirmed tension pneumopericardium and immediately hemodynamic stability was restored. A pericardial drain was placed and kept for 15 days. He was discharged at the 18th day post-trauma after a satisfactory recovery at the trauma ICU. Discussion Blunt thoracic trauma causes pneumopericardium by various mechanisms. Tension pneumopericardium is a possible outcome, probably related to positive-pressure ventilation. It leads to hemodynamic instability and requires immediate decompression and placement of a pericardial drain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Fernando Rolim Marques
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil.
| | - Lizianne Hermogenes Lopes
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Marcela Dos Santos Martins
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Cesar Vanderlei Carmona
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Pereira Fraga
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Elcio Shiyoti Hirano
- Trauma Division, Department of Surgery, University of Campinas Teaching Hospital, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas, Campinas, SP, Brazil
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20
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Carzolio-Trujillo HA, Navarro-Tovar F, Padilla-Gómez CI, Hernández-Martínez IA, Herrera-Enríquez J. [Blunt chest trauma with pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum secondary to Macklin effect. Case report]. CIR CIR 2016; 84:409-14. [PMID: 26769517 DOI: 10.1016/j.circir.2015.05.055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pneumomediastinum is the presence of free air around mediastinal structures, which may be spontaneous or secondary, and can occur in 10% of patients with blunt chest trauma, with the Macklin effect being its main pathophysiology. CLINICAL CASE A 21 year old male, hit by motor vehicle, with alvéolopalatal fracture and blunt chest trauma, who, 72 hrs after admission, shows subcutaneous emphysema in the anterior chest. A simple tomography of the chest and abdomen was performed, finding a pneumomediastinum, bilateral pulmonary contusions and pneumoperitoneum. Oesophageal, tracheobronchial or intra-abdominal viscera injuries were ruled out, establishing the cause of pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum due to the Macklin effect. This required conservative management in intensive care unit, with a favourable clinical course and discharged after a 10 day hospital stay. DISCUSSION Macklin effect is caused by dissection of air medially along the bronchoalveolar sheath (interstitial emphysema), secondary to alveolar breakdown and extending into mediastinal and other anatomical structures (pneumoperitoneum). It has been documented in blunt trauma, as well as in acute asthma, positive pressure ventilation, or after Valsalva manoeuvres. The imaging method of choice is computed tomography, and its characteristic findings, interstitial emphysema adhering to a bronchus and pulmonary blood vessel. CONCLUSIONS In the presence of pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum is necessary to rule out oesophageal and tracheobronchial injury before establishing the Macklin effect as its cause. The diagnosis is made with computed tomography and managed conservatively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Alejandro Carzolio-Trujillo
- Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de Zona Norte Bicentenario de la Independencia, Secretaría de Salud de Puebla, Puebla, México.
| | - Fernando Navarro-Tovar
- Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de Zona Norte Bicentenario de la Independencia, Secretaría de Salud de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - César Isaac Padilla-Gómez
- Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital General de Zona Norte Bicentenario de la Independencia, Secretaría de Salud de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Iván Arturo Hernández-Martínez
- Servicio de Radiología e Imagen, Hospital General de Zona Norte Bicentenario de la Independencia, Secretaría de Salud de Puebla, Puebla, México
| | - Javier Herrera-Enríquez
- Servicio de Cirugía General, Hospital Regional de Poza Rica, Secretaría de Salud de Veracruz, Veracruz, México
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21
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Murayama S, Gibo S. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and Macklin effect: Overview and appearance on computed tomography. World J Radiol 2014; 6:850-854. [PMID: 25431639 PMCID: PMC4241491 DOI: 10.4329/wjr.v6.i11.850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Revised: 06/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is described as free air or gas located within the mediastinum that is not associated with any noticeable cause such as chest trauma. SPM has been associated with many conditions and triggers, including bronchial asthma, diabetic ketoacidosis, forceful straining during exercise, inhalation of drugs, as well as other activities associated with the Valsalva maneuver. The Macklin effect appears on thoracic computed tomography (CT) as linear collections of air contiguous to the bronchovascular sheaths. With the recent availability of multidetector-row CT, the Macklin effect has been seen in the clinical setting more frequently than expected. The aim of this review article is to describe the CT imaging spectrum of the Macklin effect in patients with SPM, focusing on the common appearance of the Macklin effect, pneumorrhachis, and persistent SPM with pneumatocele.
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22
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Okada M, Adachi H, Shibuya Y, Ishikawa S, Hamabe Y. Diagnosis and treatment of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Respir Investig. 2014;52:36-40. [PMID: 24388369 DOI: 10.1016/j.resinv.2013.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 04/10/2013] [Accepted: 06/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although many patients complaining of chest pain visit the emergency department, very few are diagnosed with spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM). We present the management of 20 patients with SPM. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, past history, chest X-rays (CXRs), 64-slice helical computed tomography (CT) images, and clinical course of 20 patients with SPM (19 men and 1 woman) who visited the emergency department of the Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh Hospital between 2005 and 2010. RESULTS SPM predominantly resulted from physical exertion during such activities as sports and weight lifting (8 patients). The most common complaint was chest pain (15 patients), followed by dysphagia (10 patients), and dyspnea (8 patients). Subcutaneous emphysema was detected in 9 patients. The mean body mass index of the patients was 20.8±1.4kg/m(2). Although CXR findings of pneumomediastinum were absent in 5 patients, CT showed findings of the Macklin effect in all patients-interstitial gas was observed in the perihilar area in all patients and in the peripheral lung area in 9 patients (45%). Ten patients were hospitalized. The others received ambulatory care in the form of analgesics without antibiotics. All patients fully recovered without complications. CONCLUSIONS Our results showed that 64-slice helical CT is more reliable than CXRs for diagnosing SPM. Moreover, some patients with SPM can be treated without hospitalization, thus decreasing medical expenses for these patients.
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