Postpartum chest pain and the Hamman syndrome

Abstract

A 17-year-old primigravida developed acute onset postpartum pleuritic chest pain following a prolonged second stage. The clinical syndrome rapidly progressed to chest, neck and facial swelling. Clinical evaluation in parallel with urgent investigations led to the diagnosis of Hamman syndrome, a rare though important benign cause of postpartum chest pain and shortness of breath. Conservative management consisting of close observation, supplemental oxygen, analgesia and reassurance lead to complete resolution of signs and symptoms by the third postpartum day.