Pneumomediastinum, pneumothorax, and subcutaneous emphysema due to duodenal ulcer

Muhammad Abdullah; Mohammed H. Al-Akeely; Abdulaziz A. Al-Mustafa

Abstract

The presence of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, or cervical subcutaneous emphysema due to perforated duodenal ulcer is a rare presentation. We report a 23-year-man who showed bilateral cervical subcutaneous emphysema, pneumomediastinum, and pneumothorax with no respiratory abnormality. He was found to have active duodenal ulcers, but no detectable pneumoperitoneum or duodenal leak. A sealed perforation from the duodenal ulcers was suspected, and he fully improved after conservative management.

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