# Spontaneously Resolving Pneumoperitoneum and Pneumomediastinum: A Report of Two Cases

**Authors:** Wardah Mahmood, Mansoor Zafar, Stefano Berliti, Ariful Islam Islam, Viktoriya Clarke, Kadir Hacikurt

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.61930 · Cureus · 2024-06-08

## TL;DR

This case report describes two patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and iatrogenic pneumoperitoneum who recovered without specific treatment.

## Contribution

The novelty lies in highlighting the spontaneous resolution of these conditions and their management with supportive care.

## Key findings

- Both patients were managed successfully with supportive care and periodic imaging.
- Fatalities from these conditions have been reported in the literature.
- Awareness of these conditions is important for differential diagnosis in relevant clinical scenarios.

## Abstract

We present here an interesting case report of two patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum and iatrogenic pneumoperitoneum. The patients were assessed and queried following a chest X-ray abnormality and query based on the history of recent urological procedures on a background of awaiting gastro-oesophageal surgery at a tertiary centre respectively. Although these patients were successfully managed with the best supportive approach and periodic imaging review, it remains important to be aware that fatalities have been reported in the literature. We hope this case report will help those involved in the care of the patient to be aware of these conditions as differentials when history points towards episodes of coughing or recent surgical input.

## Full-text entities

- **Diseases:** Pneumoperitoneum (MESH:D011027), Pneumomediastinum (MESH:D008478), coughing (MESH:D003371), chest X-ray abnormality (MESH:D002637)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

7 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11228559/full.md

## References

18 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11228559/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC11228559