A Case Report of Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum (Hamman's Syndrome) During Labor

Christopher Barrera-Hoffmann1, Yadira Mariaca-Ortíz2, Mauro Alejandro Rodríguez-Flota3

  • 1Critical Care Medicine, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Juarez, MEX.

Cureus
|January 21, 2025
PubMed

Hamman's syndrome is characterized by spontaneous pneumomediastinum triggered by Valsalva maneuvers and is an uncommon complication during labor and the postpartum period. It is typically benign and managed conservatively with oxygen therapy and analgesia. We present the clinical case of a 21-year-old primigravida who developed spontaneous pneumomediastinum during labor, manifesting with subcutaneous emphysema and dyspnea. It was documented by a chest X-ray and CT scan, and improved with conservative treatment. The patient was discharged without complications or recurrence. Hamman's syndrome is a rare condition, so recognizing it accurately is fundamental. This allows for timely treatment initiation, detection of complications, and exclusion of other pathologies, all of which affect patient prognosis.

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