[A case of bronchial asthma complicated with mediastinal, subcutaneous, peritoneal and epidural emphysema]

A case of a 16-year-old female with bronchial asthma complicated with mediastinal, subcutaneous, peritoneal and epidural emphysema was reported. The patient was admitted to our hospital because of dyspnea. Chest and abdominal X-ray films revealed mediastinal emphysema with peribronchial air sheath, subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and chest, and peritoneal emphysema. CT-scan revealed severe mediastinal, subcutaneous and epidural emphysema. These findings disappeared about 10 days after recovery from the attack. Diagnostic methods and the pathogenesis of air leak were also discussed.