Pneumomediastinum: Radiological profile and associations of uncommon complication of COVID-19.

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum is an uncommon complication of Corona Virus Disease (COVID)-19 presenting mostly in moderate to severe cases. This is a retrospective observational imaging and hospital data-based study done on 15 confirmed patients of COVID-19 who underwent high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) thorax at the Department of Radio-Diagnosis of a tertiary medical center in the Himalayan foothills. The clinico-radiological profile of the study group was assessed and it was aimed at finding the association of pneumomediastinum with the severity of lung changes. A strong association of pneumomediastinum was observed with severe lung changes on HRCT thorax (<i>n</i> = 13, 87%, <i>P</i> < 0.00001). Dyspnea was the most common presenting factor. The mortality rate is high in mechanically intubated patients of pneumomediastinum with COVID-19 (75%). Pneumomediastinum is a complication of a severe COVID-19 disease spectrum. Along with severe lung parenchymal disease, systemic inflammation, systemic steroid therapy, comorbid state, and mechanical intubation, it is a part of the pool of poor prognostic factors. HRCT is essential for making a quick and comprehensive diagnosis, thereby, guiding the clinician for further management.