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[Measles and subcutaneous emphysema. Presentation of 3 cases]
J R Montesano-Delfín1, A Mascareñas-Ponce
1Hospital Rural de Solidaridad Papantla, Programa IMSS-Solidaridad, Veracruz, México.
Abstract:
This is a three case study report of children with measles which later progressed to bronchopneumonia and subcutaneous emphysema. All three children were from farming families, and none had been previously vaccinate against measles. For a period of six months, 183 cases of measles were treated at our hospital of which only three worsened to subcutaneous emphysema, demonstrating an incidence rate of 1.6%; they also showed to have bronchopneumonia, with severe coughing episodes; which made us recall the possible physiopathology principle of the pressure gradient theory behind this complication proposed by Bloch in 1968. The factors related to our patients suggested a more severe and aggresive type of measles with a greater probability of having complications. The prognostic value of the severity of this type of measles in the presence of subcutaneous emphysema is limited and its management should be primarly focused on treating the added bronchial problem.
Insights
This case study highlights three unvaccinated children who developed bronchopneumonia and subcutaneous emphysema following measles. Management should focus on the bronchial issues accompanying this severe measles complication.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Infectious Diseases
- Pulmonology
Background:
- Measles is a common viral illness, but severe complications can occur.
- Subcutaneous emphysema is a rare but serious complication of measles.
- Bronchopneumonia frequently accompanies severe measles cases.
Observation:
- Three unvaccinated children from farming families presented with measles.
- All three developed bronchopneumonia and subcutaneous emphysema.
- This represents a 1.6% incidence of subcutaneous emphysema among 183 measles cases.
Findings:
- The cases suggest a more aggressive measles presentation in these patients.
- Severe coughing episodes were prominent, aligning with the pressure gradient theory.
- Bronchopneumonia was a consistent finding alongside subcutaneous emphysema.
Implications:
- The severity of measles impacts complication probability.
- Prognostic value of measles severity with subcutaneous emphysema is limited.
- Treatment should prioritize managing bronchopneumonia in these cases.