Pneumomediastinum in the COVID-19 era: to drain or not to drain?
File(s)MONALDI_2023_2_2338_opt.pdf (1.56 MB)
Published version
Author(s)
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
Pneumomediastinum (PNM) is a rare clinical finding, usually with a benign course, which is managed conservatively in the majority of cases. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an increased incidence of PNM has been observed. Several reports of PNM cases in COVID-19 have been reported in the literature and were managed either conservatively or surgically. In this study, we present our institutional experience of COVID-19 associated PNM, propose a management algorithm, and review the current literature. In total, 43 Case Series were identified, including a total of 747 patients, of whom 374/747 (50.1%) were intubated at the time of diagnosis, 168/747 (22.5%) underwent surgical drain insertion at admission, 562/747 (75.2%) received conservative treatment (observation or mechanical ventilation. Inpatient mortality was 51.8% (387/747), while 45.1% of the population recovered and/or was discharged (337/747). In conclusion, with increased incidence of PNM in COVID-19 patients reported in the literature, it is still difficult to assign a true causal relationship between PNM and mortality. We can, however, see that PMN plays an important role in disease prognosis. Due to increased complexity, high mortality, and associated complications, conservative management may not be sufficient, and a surgical approach is needed.
Date Issued
2023-02-28
Date Acceptance
2022-07-20
Citation
Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease, 2023, 93 (2)
ISSN
1122-0643
Publisher
PAGEpress
Journal / Book Title
Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease
Volume
93
Issue
2
Copyright Statement
©The Author(s),2022 Licensee PAGE Press, Italy. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
License URL
Identifier
https://www.monaldi-archives.org/index.php/macd/article/view/2338
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 2338
Date Publish Online
2022-07-27