Subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum and pneumoperitoneum after upper gastrointestinal endoscopy

Abstract

Upper gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopies are performed for several reasons. The overuse of endoscopy has negative effects on the quality of healthcare and pressurises endoscopy services. It also results in the complications. These complications include pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous pneumomediastinum. However, it is worth noting that these complications rarely occur during endoscopy of the upper GI tract. These complications, when they occur, indicate perforation of the retroperitoneal space or peritoneal cavity. In this article, we discuss a case of pneumoperitoneum, pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema after upper GI endoscopy.

Pneumoretroperitoneum secondary to pneumomediastinum in a child with coronavirus disease 2019

“…Air travels through the anatomical fascial surface to other compartments. The retroperitoneum and mediastinum communicate through the esophageal hiatus, 2 and several rare cases of pneumomediastinum secondary to pneumoperitoneum or pneumoretroperitoneum have been reported 3 . Pneumoretroperitoneum attributed to pneumomediastinum is observed less frequently 4 .…”