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.
Muñiz
Antonio E
AE
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
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