Pneumomediastinum in labour -- probably not caused by a lumbar epidural anaesthesia.
We describe a case of pneumomediastinum and subcutaneous emphysema during labour. The patient had previously received an epidural anaesthesia to alleviate labour pain. We found several reports of subcutaneous emphysema and pneumomediastinum (or pneumothorax) possibly caused by or related to epidural anaesthesia use, but conclude that the epidural anaesthesia was probably not a cause in our case.
Søfteland
E
E
Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Haukeland University Hospital, N-5021 Bergen, Norway. Eirik.softeland@haukeland.no
Bergjord
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K
D000328:Adult; D000767:Anesthesia, Epidural / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000773:Anesthesia, Obstetrical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D007744:Obstetric Labor Complications / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011247:Pregnancy; D011859:Radiography; D013352:Subcutaneous Emphysema / Q000209:etiology