Pneumomediastinum as a complication of critical pertussis
- Authors: Monaco, F.; Barone, M.; Manfredi, V.; Marando, R.; Nunnari, F.; David, A.; Monaco, M.; Cascio, A.
- Publication year: 2016
- Type: Articolo in rivista (Articolo in rivista)
- Key words: Bordetella pertussis; Cough; Pertussis; Pneumomediastinum; Pulmonary and Respiratory Medicine; Immunology and Allergy; Genetics (clinical)
- OA Link: http://hdl.handle.net/10447/246566
Abstract
Background and Aims: Pertussis is a common and potentially serious disease affecting mainly infants and young children. In its non-classic presentation, pertussis can be clinically indistinguishable from other respiratory illnesses. Pertussis today often remains underdiagnosed in adults. Our aims was to report a complicated cases of pertussis. Results: A case of serologically confirmed pertussis occurred in an 18-year-old man presenting with pneumomediastinum, subcutaneous emphysema in the neck and chest, and persistent attacks of coughing with apnea that required treatment in the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema have never been described in adult patients with pertussis. Physicians should be aware that patients presenting with persistent cough and pneumomediastinum may have pertussis and include this in their differential diagnosis.