Traumatic pneumomediastinum following Macklin effect. Case report

Authors

  • Marco Antonio Medina-Ortega Universidad del Cauca
  • David López-Valencia Universidad del Cauca
  • Nicolás Solano-Arboleda Universidad del Cauca
  • Giovanna Cortés-Bolaños Hospital Universitario San José - Hospital Susana López de Valencia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21615/cesmedicina.6768

Keywords:

pneumomediastinum, Macklin effect, chest pain, wounds and injuries

Abstract

Introduction: pneumomediastinum is defined as the presence of free air around mediastinal structures. It is a rare and alarming radiological finding in the context of polytraumatized patients and its adequate study allows the prevention of potentially lethal injuries. Methods: the case of a 43-year-old male patient admitted in the context of blunt polytrauma is presented. On physical examination, he was found to have subcutaneous emphysema and borderline saturation, with a tomographic finding of pneumomediastinum. Results: esophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed, which was reported as normal and there was no increase in subcutaneous emphysema during follow-up, classifying the case as secondary to the Macklin effect. Subsequently, the patient was discharged in adequate conditions and without repercussions during his hospital stay. Conclusions: pneumomediastinum is a rare but alarming entity that requires knowledge of its causes and study of them in order to prevent potentially lethal lesions.

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Author Biographies

Marco Antonio Medina-Ortega, Universidad del Cauca

Cirugía General, Universidad del Cauca. Popayán, Colombia.

David López-Valencia, Universidad del Cauca

Estudiante de Medicina V año, Centro de Estudios en Microbiología y Parasitología (CEMPA), Universidad del Cauca. Popayán, Colombia. Grupo de Investigación en Biomedicina y Biotecnología (BIOTECMED), Corporación Del Laboratorio al Campo (DLC). Bogotá DC, Colombia.

Nicolás Solano-Arboleda, Universidad del Cauca

Residente de Cirugía General IV año, Universidad del Cauca. Popayán, Colombia.

Giovanna Cortés-Bolaños, Hospital Universitario San José - Hospital Susana López de Valencia

Servicio de Cirugía y Cuidado Crítico. Hospital Universitario San José y Hospital Susana López de Valencia. Popayán, Colombia.

References

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Published

2023-10-27

How to Cite

Medina-Ortega, M. A., López-Valencia, D., Solano-Arboleda, N., & Cortés-Bolaños, G. (2023). Traumatic pneumomediastinum following Macklin effect. Case report. CES Medicina, 37(2), 85–89. https://doi.org/10.21615/cesmedicina.6768

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Section

Reporte de caso
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