Massive subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumopericardium in children

J Pediatr Surg. 2010 Mar;45(3):647-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.11.017.

Abstract

Massive subcutaneous emphysema (SE), pneumomediastinum (PM), and pneumopericardium (PP) are rare conditions in the pediatric population. Air leak syndrome is a constellation of disorders that include SE, PM, PP, and pulmonary interstitial emphysema. In children, SE, PM, and PP are associated with obstructive airway disease most often in the case of asthma. Management may be conservative or involve invasive procedures that require surgical intervention. Here, we describe a case of massive SE, PM, and PP in a 10-year-old child after placement of a peripherally inserted central line and review the literature.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Catheterization, Central Venous / methods
  • Child
  • Disease Progression
  • Fatal Outcome
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / complications*
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Mediastinal Emphysema / therapy
  • Pneumopericardium / complications*
  • Pneumopericardium / diagnostic imaging
  • Pneumopericardium / therapy
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Rare Diseases
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / complications*
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / diagnostic imaging
  • Subcutaneous Emphysema / therapy
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed