Abstract
Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema are rare complications of labor, especially in the late pregnancy period, but they are usually self-limiting. Management includes avoidance of exacerbative factors and close observation with supportive treatment. A 19-year-old primi gravida at 36 weeks pregnancy presented with swelling over the right side of the face, neck and chest. Her general examination was normal. Systemic examination revealed swelling with palpatory crepitation over the right side of chest, neck and face, and other examination findings were normal. Chest X-ray revealed subcutaneous emphysema without pneumothorax. The patient left hospital against medical advice.
Highlights
Pneumomediastinum and associated subcutaneous emphysema in pregnancy are rare complications of pregnancy and labor
200 cases of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum in labor and delivery have been reported in the literature.[1]
Shrestha et al Subcutaneous Emphysema In Pregnancy normal. She did not have the ultrasound report when she presented to the emergency room
Summary
Pneumomediastinum and associated subcutaneous emphysema in pregnancy are rare complications of pregnancy and labor. This condition was first described by Hamman in 1945 and bears his name.[3] We present a case report of subcutaneous emphysema during the third trimester of pregnancy. A 19-year-old primigravida at 36 weeks pregnancy, from Western Nepal, presented to the emergency room with the chief complaints of cough since three days and swelling of right side of the chest, neck and face since the last two days. The patient gave a history of productive cough with yellowish sputum, which was more severe at night and not associated with fever or shortness of breath.
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