Spontaneous Postpartum Pneumomediastinum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Postpartum pneumomediastinum, also known as Hamman's syndrome, is a rare condition, occurring in one in 2,000 to 100,000 vaginal deliveries. This is a case report and literature review designed to explore treatment of this syndrome and whether medical intervention is necessary. METHODS: We present a case of a 19-year-old primigravida who developed postpartum pneumomediastinum after an uncomplicated vaginal delivery. We compared our case with cases presented in the literature with a focus on whether medical intervention was performed and whether that intervention was necessary. RESULTS: Although postpartum pneumomediastinum can cause discomfort to the patient such as chest pain, dysphagia, and dyspnea, the condition often resolves spontaneously without medical intervention. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Despite the dramatic clinical presentation of this syndrome, prognosis is positive. Knowledge of how to manage postpartum pneumomediastinum may prevent unneeded medical intervention and prolonged hospital stays.