The Rare Traumatic Pneumomediastinum in An Unfortunate Biker

Abstract

Traumatic pneumomediastinum is a rare condition characterized by chest pain, difficulty of breathing, Hamman sign and presence of subcutaneous emphysema. Even though benign it may lead to serious complication and carry high mortality rate. We herein report a rare presentation of traumatic pneumomediastinum in a 22 years old malay gentleman motorbike rider who alleged motor-vehicle accident and hit by a lamp post which fall onto him. He was brought to ER and traumatic pneumomediastinum diagnosis was detected early along with an intra-abdominal injury. Pathophysiology of disease, clinical pictures, complication and treatment are further discussed. High clinical suspicious and early detection from radiograph may avoid from missed diagnosis of this rare condition. Bedside ultrasound in emergency department and further evaluation with CT scan help to confirm the diagnosis of this rare entity.