Postpartum Pneumomediastinum: an Uncommon Cause for Chest Pain

Abstract

This case report refers to a 32-year-old primiparous woman with a mild asthma, who had a normal vaginal delivery in a birthing pool and developed an acute postpartum chest pain due to pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous chest emphysema. After 72 hours of observation, she was discharged home without any residual symptoms.

Postpartum pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema (Hamman’s Syndrome)

“…30% of spontaneous pneumomediastinum cases may not be easily seen on routine chest X-ray. Double-contrast CT imaging may be helpful, particularly if the air-leak involves the posterior mediastinum [6,7].…”

“…Other complications such as tension pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax are rare. There is currently no reliable data to suggest the rate of recurrence of Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in pregnancy [7]. The use of nitrous oxide increases the risk of gas trapping and may increase the risk of pneumomediastinum [8].…”

Postpartum Pneumomediastinum and Subcutaneous Emphysema (Hamman’s Syndrome)

“…30% of spontaneous pneumomediastinum cases may not be easily seen on routine chest X-ray. Double-contrast CT imaging may be helpful, particularly if the air-leak involves the posterior mediastinum [6,9].…”

“…Other complications such as tension pneumomediastinum and pneumothorax are rare. There is currently no reliable data to suggest the rate of recurrence of Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in pregnancy [9]. The use of nitrous oxide increases the risk of gas trapping and may increase the risk of pneumomediastinum [3].…”

“…Despite its daunting presentation, the condition is usually minimal and the course is self-limiting [5][6][7]. Subcutaneous emphysema in the neck has also been linked to vomiting during pregnancy [8][9][10].…”