Pneumomediastinum and the use of hyperbaric oxygen treatment

Abstract

Pulmonary barotrauma may occur in diving and can result in a spectrum of injuries referred to as pulmonary over-inflation syndrome (POIS). Pneumomediastinum is a part of the POIS spectrum and only rarely results in respiratory symptoms. We present a case of a civilian diver who developed pneumomediastinum with respiratory symptoms which did not respond to normobaric 100% oxygen. After investigation for pneumothorax, he underwent hyperbaric oxygen treatment which resulted in significant alleviation of his symptoms. This is a novel case example of this treatment algorithm.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for carbon monoxide poisoning in an adolescent with Pneumomediastinum after COVID-19 pneumonia : a case report

“…Hyperbaric oxygen as a routine treatment for acute carbon monoxide poisoning can not only convert the carboxyhemoglobin in mitochondrial cytochrome to oxygenated hemoglobin during carbon monoxide poisoning, but also reduce the permanent neurological and emotional effects of carbon monoxide poisoning [4]. In addition, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is particularly important in preventing long-term sequelae,it can reduce acute mortality and mortality after one year [5,6] .In addition to acute carbon monoxide poisoning, we also found successful cases of pneumomediastinum treated with hyperbaric oxygen [7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14].…”

“…In another case report we found that hyperbaric oxygen therapy in a patient with pneumomediastinum due to diving [8]. Four hours after he was injured, the patient was placed on the chamber that pressurised to 1.3 ATA, Symptoms improved after 60 minutes of 100% oxygen inhalation via a built in breathing system (BIBS) mask.…”