Rare case of pseudo-pneumoperitoneum as a triad of extensive subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum as a complication of non-invasive respiratory support

Abstract

Respiratory support through non-invasive ventilation and high-flow nasal cannula is frequently used in patients with acute respiratory failure as a way to maintain oxygenation without intubation. Although mostly well-tolerated, infrequent but increasingly recognized complications can occur, such as pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, and subcutaneous emphysema. This likely occurs as a result of alveolar rupture from barotrauma related to ventilatory support and dissection of higher-pressure air along the pulmonary interstitium and into the anatomic cavities of the chest. We present a rare case of pseudo-pneumoperitoneum as a result of non-invasive respiratory support. This occurred as part of a triad of pneumomediastinum and extensive subcutaneous emphysema extending circumferentially around the abdomen and into the scrotum of a hypoxic patient with congestive heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbation with pneumonia requiring aggressive respiratory support.