Tension pneumomediastinum and diffuse subcutaneous emphysema with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection requiring operative management for impending airway collapse: A case report

Abstract

Tension pneumomediastinum is a rare complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection that has increased in incidence with the novel coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Although traditionally managed with conservative measures, we present the indications and methods for the first operative management of tension pneumomediastinum with concomitant SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Keywords: COVID‐19; case report; coronavirus; drainage; mediastinal emphysema; pericardial window; pneumomediastinum; surgery.