Abstract

Raziye Desdicioğlu*, Ayşe Filiz Yavuz, Aybuke Tayarer, Gözde Durmuş and Erkan Balkan

ABSTRACT

Here we present the case of a 28-year old patient developing pneumomediastinum secondary to hyperemesis gravidarum. Admitted for treatment several times for hyperemesis from the 9th week of pregnancy, when the patient was admitted to hospital for the 3rd time in the 13th week subcutaneous emphysema was identified on examination after complaining of pain around the neck. Imaging confirmed pneumomediastinum diagnosis. Pneumomediastinum is a very rare complication of hyperemesis. Rarely caused by esophagus rupture, this complication is more commonly thought to develop linked to alveolar rupture as a result of barotrauma. As morbidity and mortality are high in situations linked to esophagus rupture, early diagnosis has vital importance. This case report reviews the causes of pneumomediastinum in pregnancy and management choices.