Tuberc Respir Dis.  2011 Feb;70(2):155-159. 10.4046/trd.2011.70.2.155.

A Case of Novel Influenza A (H1N1) Virus Pneumonia Complicated Pnemomediastinum and Subcutenous Emphysema

Affiliations
  • 1Division of Pulmonology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea. allergy21@hotmail.com
  • 2Department of Laboratory Medicine, Gachon University Gil Hospital, Incheon, Korea.

Abstract

Recently, a novel influenza A (H1N1) has been recognized as the cause of a worldwide respiratory infection outbreak. Although the symptoms of a novel influenza A (H1N1) are usually mild, the disease can cause severe illness and death. A complication of novel influenza A (H1N1) is pneumomediastinum, a rarely reported condition. We report a case of influenza A (H1N1) complicating pneumomediastinum with subcutaneous emphysema, which had initially presented with blood tinged sputum and chest pain. In addition, we demonstrate bronchoalveolar lavage in influenza A (H1N1).

Keyword

Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Pneumomediastinum, Diagnostic; Pneumonia

MeSH Terms

Bronchoalveolar Lavage
Chest Pain
Emphysema
Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype
Influenza, Human
Mediastinal Emphysema
Pneumomediastinum, Diagnostic
Pneumonia
Sputum
Subcutaneous Emphysema
Tolnaftate
Viruses
Tolnaftate

Figure

  • Figure 1 Chest radiograph on admission showed pneumomediastinum and peribronchial haziness in both lungs (A~C).

  • Figure 2 Neck radiograph on admission showed subcutaneous emphysema, neck and upper thorax (A, B).

  • Figure 3 High resolution computed tomography of chest on admission. (A) Showed subcutaneous inter-, intra-muscular emphysema in scan covered lower neck. (B~D) Peribronchial ground grass opacity in both lower lobe, right middle lobe, superior and inferior lingular segment of left upper lobe, posterior segment of right upper lobe.

  • Figure 4 High resolution computed tomography of chest after 2 weeks. (A) Disappeared subcutaneous inter-, intra-muscular emphysema in scan covered lower neck. (B~D) Disappeared pneumomediastinum and improved peribronchial ground grass opacity in both lower lobe, right middle lobe, superior and inferior lingular segment of left upper lobe, posterior segment of right upper lobe.


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