Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum: Uncommon Cause of Air Leak in Late Preterm Neonate

Abstract

A clinical case report of spontaneous pneumomediastinum in a late-preterm neonate, chest x-ray showing classical “spinnaker sail sign,” which was managed conservatively and had excellent prognosis on conservative management. Respiratory distress in a preterm neonate is a common clinical finding. Common causes include respiratory distress syndrome, transient tachypnea of the newborn, pneumonia, and pneumothorax. Pneumomediastinum is not very common cause of respiratory distress and more so spontaneous pneumomediastinum. We report here a preterm neonate with spontaneous pneumomediastinum who had excellent clinical recovery with conservative management. A male baby was delivered to G3P1A1 mother at 34 + 6 weeks through caesarean section done due to abruptio placenta. Apgar scores were 8 and 9. Maternal antenatal history was uneventful and there were no risk factors for early onset sepsis. Baby had respiratory distress soon after birth with Silverman score being 2/10. Baby was started on oxygen (O₂) by nasal prongs through blender 0.5 l/min, FiO₂ 25%, and intravenous fluids. Blood gas done was normal. Possibility of transient tachypnea of newborn or mild hyaline membrane disease was kept. Respiratory distress increased at 20 h of life (Silverman score: 5), urgent chest x-ray done revealed “spinnaker sign” suggestive of pneumomediastinum, so baby was shifted to O₂ by hood with FiO₂ being 70%. Blood gas repeated was normal. Baby was managed conservatively on intravenous fluids and O₂ by hood. Baby was gradually weaned off from O₂ over next 5 days. As respiratory distress decreased, baby was started on orogastric feed, which baby tolerated well and then was switched to oral feeds. Serial x-rays showed resolution of pneumomediastinum. Baby was discharged on day 7 of life in stable condition on breast feeds and room air.