Silent Dyspnea: Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in a Heroin User

Abstract

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is a relatively rare presentation that often follows a benign clinical course. It is mainly triggered by underlying bronchial asthma, respiratory tract infections, strenuous activities, or illicit drug use. We present a case of an isolated primary pneumomediastinum where the patient was a 24-year-old man with underlying bronchial asthma who presented with acute onset of shortness of breath and pleuritic chest pain following snorting of an opioid-heroin. Although the clinical exam and chest radiograph were both unremarkable, the multi-detector computed tomography of the chest revealed an isolated pneumomediastinum. The patient was managed conservatively in accordance with existing evidence as SPM is known for its spontaneous recovery.