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Case Reports
. 2024 Jun 28;18(1):306.
doi: 10.1186/s13256-024-04618-9.

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema presenting as rhinolalia following ecstasy ingestion: a case report

Caterina Prada #  1 , Max Ross #  2
Affiliations
Case Reports

Spontaneous pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema presenting as rhinolalia following ecstasy ingestion: a case report

Caterina Prada et al. J Med Case Rep. .

Abstract

Background: We present a unique case of rhinolalia as the first recognizable sign of spontaneous pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema following drug use.

Case presentation: This case presents a 17-year-old white male experiencing rhinolalia following ecstasy ingestion at a rave. Subsequent chest X-ray revealed extensive surgical emphysema, along with a continuous diaphragm sign indicative of pneumomediastinum. Computed tomography confirmed the diagnosis. The patient was managed conservatively with strict monitoring and 6 hourly electrocardiograms. Follow-up computed tomography on day 3 showed resolution of pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema, and the patient was safely discharged. Notably, the patient experienced a temporary rhinolalia during the acute phase, which resolved spontaneously as his condition improved.

Conclusions: This case underscores the importance of considering spontaneous pneumomediastinum and surgical emphysema in the differential diagnosis of young individuals presenting with acute symptoms after drug use.

Keywords: Case report; Ecstasy; Rhinolalia; Spontaneous pneumomediastinum; Surgical emphysema.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors have no conflicting/competing interests to declare.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Posteroanterior chest radiograph demonstrating widespread surgical emphysema over the superior thorax and neck bilaterally
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Computed tomography axial image of chest demonstrating pneumomediastinum and mild pneumopericardium. Yellow arrow: pneumomediastinum within the left superior mediastinum
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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