@article {Chu802, author = {C.M. Chu and Y.Y. Leung and J.Y.H. Hui and I.F.N. Hung and V.L. Chan and W.S. Leung and K.I. Law and C.S. Chan and K.S. Chan and K.Y. Yuen}, title = {Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome}, volume = {23}, number = {6}, pages = {802--804}, year = {2004}, doi = {10.1183/09031936.04.00096404}, publisher = {European Respiratory Society}, abstract = {Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SP) unrelated to assisted ventilation is a newly recognised complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS). The objective of the present study was to examine the incidence, risk factors and the outcomes of SP in a cohort of SARS victims from a community outbreak. Data were retrieved from a prospectively collected database of virologically confirmed SARS patients. One hundred and twelve cases were analysable, with 13 patients developing SP (11.6\%) at a mean{\textpm}sd of 19.6{\textpm}4.6 days from symptom onset. Peak lactate dehydrogenase level was associated with the development of SP. SP was associated with increased intubation and a trend towards death. Drainage was required in five cases. For patients who survived, the SP and/or the associated pneumothoraces took a median of 28 days (interquartile range: 15{\textendash}45 days) to resolve completely. In conclusion, spontaneous pneumomediastinum appeared to be a frequent complication of severe acute respiratory syndrome. Further research is needed to investigate its pathogenesis.}, issn = {0903-1936}, URL = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/23/6/802}, eprint = {https://erj.ersjournals.com/content/23/6/802.full.pdf}, journal = {European Respiratory Journal} }