False-negative capnographic reading caused by a malfunctioning bag-valve-mask device resulting in a pneumomediastinum.
Bag-valve-mask ventilation is generally a safe, and often a life-saving procedure for children who are unable to oxygenate or ventilate by themselves. A case is presented which describes a malfunctioning expiratory valve in a disposable manual bag-valve-mask device resulting in a pneumomediastinum in a child. This is a rare cause of a false-negative colorimetric end-tidal carbon dioxide (ETCO2) reading after endotracheal intubation. However, it is important to recognize so that further adverse outcomes can be prevented.
The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, 6431 Fannin Street, JJL-451 Houston, TX 77030, USA. Antonio.E.Muniz@uth.tmc.edu
Antonio E
AE
Muñiz
D002153:Calorimetry, Indirect; D019296:Capnography; D002648:Child; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005188:False Negative Reactions; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008397:Masks / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008478:Mediastinal Emphysema / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000209:etiology* / Q000628:therapy