title: Surgical decompression of a tension pneumomediastinum. A ventilatory complication of status asthmaticus.
abstract: A case of status asthmaticus was associated with cardiorespiratory arrest, illustrating rarely reported complications of ventilatory therapy including tension pneumomediastinum and coronary air embolization. Proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms and recommendations for surgical management are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Montreal General Hospital, McGill University, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Shennib
authors.forename: A N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Barkun
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Matouk
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Blundell
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001249:Asthma / Q000628:therapy*; D004618:Embolism, Air / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D011175:Positive-Pressure Respiration / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013224:Status Asthmaticus / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D013479:Superior Vena Cava Syndrome / Q000209:etiology