Postpartum pneumomediastinum

Norzilawati MN, Shuhaila A, Zainul Rashid MR
Correspondence: Dr Norzilawati Mohd Naim, norzila@mail.hukm.ukm.my

ABSTRACT
A 21-year-old primigravida with previous history of pulmonary tuberculosis had a normal but assisted vaginal delivery after a prolonged second stage. Within 12 hours, she complained of dyspnoea and was found to have abnormal neck and anterior chest wall swelling. A diagnosis of subcutaneous emphysema was made and this was confirmed with the chest radiograph, which also revealed pneumomediastinum. She recovered well within four days with conservative treatment.

Keywords: postpartum complication, postpartum pneumomediastium, sub-cutaneous emphysema
Singapore Med J 2007; 48(6): e174–e176