A Case Report of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum (Hamman's Syndrome) During Labor
Hamman's syndrome is characterized by spontaneous pneumomediastinum triggered by Valsalva maneuvers and is an uncommon complication during labor and the postpartum period. It is typically benign and managed conservatively with oxygen therapy and analgesia. We present the clinical case of a 21-year-old primigravida who developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum during labor, manifesting with subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnea. It was documented by a chest X-ray and CT scan, and improved with conservative treatment. The patient was discharged without complications or recurrence. Hamman's syndrome is a rare condition, so recognizing it accurately is fundamental. This allows for timely treatment initiation, detection of complications, and exclusion of other pathologies, all of which affect patient prognosis.
Authors
- Enrique Monares Zepeda (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1407-1478)
- Christopher Barrera‐Hoffmann (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2493-2972)
- Yadira Mariaca‐Ortíz
- Mauro Alejandro Rodríguez-Flota
- Paul Alejandro Cerda-García
Institutions
- Mexican Social Security Institute (MX)
- Mexican Association for the Clinical Research (MX)
- Hospital General De Zona (MX)
- Instituto Mexicano de Tecnología del Agua (MX)
- Instituto Nacional de Cardiología (MX)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Cureus
- Published
- 2024-12-18
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.75944
- Primary Topic
- Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00