Abstract

BELACHUR, Gabriela L. et al. Hamman’s syndrome in SARS-CoV-2 pneumonia. Medicina (B. Aires) [online]. 2023, vol.83, n.3, pp.475-478. ISSN 0025-7680.

Hamman’s syndrome, or spontaneous pneumome diastinum, is the presence of air in the mediastinum without a history of previous pulmonary pathology, chest trauma or iatrogenesis. It has been described as a rare complication in patients with COVID-19 pneu monia. It is postulated that an increase in airway pres sure associated with diffuse alveolar damage caused by the virus produces an air leak into the mediastinum. Chest pain and dyspnea associated with subcutaneous emphysema should make the treating physician suspi cious. We introduce a 79-year-old patient who, during hospitalization for pneumonia secondary to COVID-19, suddenly developed dyspnea, chest pain, coughing spells and bronchospasm with the discovery of spontaneous pneumomediastinum on chest tomography. He evolved favorably with bronchodilator treatment and temporary oxygen therapy. Hamman’s syndrome is a rare cause of respiratory failure progression in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia. Its recognition is crucial to implement the appropriate treatment.

Keywords : Spontaneous pneumomediastinum; Pneu monia; COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2.

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