Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in diabetic ketoacidosis: A rare complication

Spontaneous pneumomediastinium (SPM) can be due to increased intrathoracic pressure. Pneumomediastinium (PM) with Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA) is a very rare complication that can be caused by severe vomiting or Kussmaul breathing.

Case Report:

 The patient is a 15-year-old girl with a history of type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) who has been hospitalized due to nausea, severe vomiting, abdominal pain, chest pain and dyspnea. Based on physical examination and imaging (CXR and chest CT scan), PM was diagnosed. The patient underwent conservative treatment for PM and treatment for DKA and was discharged after 5 days in good general condition.

SPM with DKA is a rare complication with a benign process that usually has a good prognosis if diagnosed and treated timely.