RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Spontaneous pneumomediastinum in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome JF European Respiratory Journal JO Eur Respir J FD European Respiratory Society SP 802 OP 804 DO 10.1183/09031936.04.00096404 VO 23 IS 6 A1 C.M. Chu A1 Y.Y. Leung A1 J.Y.H. Hui A1 I.F.N. Hung A1 V.L. Chan A1 W.S. Leung A1 K.I. Law A1 C.S. Chan A1 K.S. Chan A1 K.Y. Yuen YR 2004 UL http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/23/6/802.abstract AB 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±sd of 19.6±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: 15–45 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.