SUBCUTANEOUS EMPHYSEMA IN THE CERVICAL REGION AND SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOMEDIASTINUM IN INFECTION: CASE REPORT

Abstract

Objective: To document in detail the clinical presentation, therapeutic management, and outcome of a patient with cervical subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum associated with an infectious process, contributing to the recognition of the association between respiratory infections and these manifestations. Method: This is a case report, with retrospective data collection through medical record analysis. Demographic data, signs and symptoms, laboratory and imaging tests, therapeutic management, and clinical outcome were evaluated. The diagnosis was confirmed by chest computed tomography. Case Report: In this article, the authors report the case of a patient with cervical subcutaneous emphysema and spontaneous pneumomediastinum (Hamman syndrome) without a history of trauma or invasive procedures. Conclusion: Therefore, we discuss the importance of diagnosing pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema in patients with respiratory infections, even in the absence of trauma. The importance of chest CT as the gold standard examination and the need for a multidisciplinary approach to prevent complications are highlighted. This report contributes to expanding knowledge about atypical clinical presentations and guiding evidence-based approaches.