Idiopathic Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in an Active Patient With Crohn’s Disease

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often associated with colonic perforations or procedural interventions. This report details a case of a 30-year-old female with ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD) presenting with idiopathic SPM during an acute CD flare while on prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Imaging confirmed pneumomediastinum without evidence of esophageal or colonic perforation. Conservative management with supportive care and prophylactic antimicrobials led to clinical resolution. This case underscores the importance of recognizing SPM as a potential extraintestinal complication of CD, particularly in the context of prolonged steroid use.

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Publication Details

Journal
Cureus
Published
2025-04-14
DOI
https://doi.org/10.7759/cureus.82256
Primary Topic
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Idiopathic Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in an Active Patient With Crohn’s Disease

Jared Magee, John McCarthy, Azfar S. Syed, Jake A Cresta
Cureus
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
article

Idiopathic Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in an Active Patient With Crohn’s Disease

Jared Magee, John McCarthy, Azfar S. Syed, Jake A Cresta
article en

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a rare complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), often associated with colonic perforations or procedural interventions. This report details a case of a 30-year-old female with ileocolonic Crohn's disease (CD) presenting with idiopathic SPM during an acute CD flare while on prolonged corticosteroid therapy. Imaging confirmed pneumomediastinum without evidence of esophageal or colonic perforation. Conservative management with supportive care and prophylactic antimicrobials led to clinical resolution. This case underscores the importance of recognizing SPM as a potential extraintestinal complication of CD, particularly in the context of prolonged steroid use.

CureusVol. 17(4)
Tripler Army Medical Center (US), Walter Reed National Military Medical Center (US)
U.S. Department of Defense
Openalex Percentile: Top 88%
Pneumothorax, Barotrauma, Emphysema
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