Spontaneous Subcutaneous Emphysema as a Clue to the Macklin Effect in Acute Asthma: A Case Report

The Macklin effect is a key radiological marker indicating the movement of air from the pulmonary interstitium into the mediastinum, which can lead to spontaneous subcutaneous emphysema, pneumothorax, and pneumomediastinum. We describe a clinically significant case in thoracic imaging, specifically on CT scans, which revealed this effect in a 65-year-old patient with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and interstitial lung disease (ILD). Thoracic CT scan confirmed the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, bilateral pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema. This case underscores the importance of thoracic imaging in managing pulmonary complications resulting from the Macklin effect.