Pneumomediastinum in COVID-19 disease: Outcomes and relation to the Macklin effect

Aim Pneumomediastinum (PM) is associated with several etiologies and mechanisms. Although it has been described more than 100 years ago, the literature limited to small retrospective studies. This study aimed follow patients coronavirus disease (COVID-19) that developed PM during hospitalization describe their clinical radiological evolution. Methods A prospective cohort was PM, excluding those aerodigestive trauma, inside a hospital COVID-19 dedicated hospital. Clinical variables including onset of symptoms, hemodynamic instability, complications, need interventions, course were all recorded. Also, findings such as presence Macklin effect, extension lung involvement by COVID-19, characteristics analyzed. Results Twenty-one non-traumatic followed, resulting in an overall incidence 0.5% period. Seven (33%) had pneumothorax malignant/tension observed three (14%) cases. The effect could be found 11 (52%) majority them 50% due COVID-19. mortality rate 49%; however, no deaths directly related PM. Conclusions probably increased severe acute respiratory syndrome caused especially greater lungs, may important underlying mechanism this complication. Usually, benign course, but complications like tension/malignant occur requiring prompt detection intervention.